Yes, a lot has been done in recent years to make the industry more transparent and to provide reassurance to the public about your commitment to safety. But every opportunity must be taken to build on that and actively to look for ways to inform the public about the business and to demonstrate the high level of commitment to safety and the environment. The only way to do that is to be more open and transparent. There are I believe, well-recognised issues that need to be addressed effectively as part of that process which I will now touch on. First, resolving uncertainties over radioactive waste management.
Uncertainty only hampers decisions on future technology.
Work on a consultation paper on radioactive waste management is at an advanced stage. My officials have been working very closely with DETR on this document and we regard it as an extremely important milestone in the process of achieving resolution. It is in all our interests that we work together towards an agreed solution. Closely linked to this, and of fundamental importance, is the effective management of nuclear liabilities. As we all know, the costs involved are enormous.