UK: DECC WANTS TO TALK - DEFRA WANTS TO STAY SILENT?

While Ed Milliband at the Dept for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is anxious to talk and consult with anyone who will listen (see Celtic News - link below):

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His colleague at DEFRA, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Minister for the Natural Environment, Wildlife and Marine Affairs, seems less willing to engage about increased levels of Caesium and Technetium pollution in the Irish Sea.

The Celtic League have reiterated a request to DEFRA (first made in January 2009) for an explanation of marginal rises in pollution indented by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (see below):

«Huw Irranca-Davies MP Minister for the Natural Environment, Wildlife and Marine Affairs Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR

21 Apr. 09

Dear Minister,

I wrote to you in January 2009 drawing your attention to data compiled by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland which showed slight increases of Caesium 137 and Technetium 99 contamination in sea water samples taken from the Irish Sea.

We pointed out that the United Kingdom government had given assurances that radioactive waste discharges from the Sellafield plant would be cut-back and asked if the UK government could explain the (marginal) increases recorded by the Irish study.

We also asked if DEFRA's own analysis had produced similar data to that gathered by the RPII.

I wonder if you could respond to these queries. For ease of reference I enclose a copy of our earlier letter.

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt

Director of Information» See related article on Celtic News at:

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

21/04/09