[en] The subject is discussed under the headings: introduction (role of state power in the development of nuclear energy); the employment effects of nuclear plant construction ((i) the case of North West Wales; (ii) the case of Windscale, Cumbria); local class structure and labour market segmentation; state policy and nuclear energy ((i) the position of Windscale; (ii) the position of the Cabinet); state policy and public decision making; conclusions. (U.K.)

[en] This Report is the result of a year-long study funded by UK Nirex Ltd. between 1986 and 1987. The central purpose was to learn from overseas experience of planning and public consultation procedures associated with the establishment of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) disposal sites. The most recent information on LLW developments in the United States, Canada, France, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, and West Germany was sought, particularly in regard to: (1) the efficacy of public consultation and negotiation procedures, focusing in particular on the perceived problems, successes and areas for improvement; (2) the key aspects bearing on the public acceptability of LLW proposals; and (3) the form and effect of any compensation mechanisms in operation. The greatest success overseas appears to be linked to some combination of the following elements: authority and clarity in the exposition of the direction of radioactive waste management policy, backed up by authoritative and independent analysis; the early involvement of local authority (county council/regional authority) organisations in the site selection process; careful attention to the potential contribution of authoritative independent advisory groups on both technical and procedural/site selection matters; the development and nurturing of local liaison committees to establish good communications at the local level; careful consideration of means of devolving some power to local authority level for safety reassurance, for example, in relation to site inspections and safety monitoring; the development of an incremental, openly negotiated approach to compensation. (author)

[en] The results are presented of a study the purpose of which was to learn from experience in countries other than the UK, of planning and public consultation procedures associated with the establishment of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) disposal sites. Information on LLW developments in the United States, Canada, France, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, and West Germany was sought. Particular regard was given to the efficacy of public consultation and negotiation procedures; the key aspects bearing on the public acceptability of LLW proposals; and the form and effect of any compensation mechanisms in operation. The main findings include: (i) Public acceptability of radioactive waste proposals depends upon a combination of basic understanding, trust, consultation and negotiation. (ii) There is no overall correct approach. (iii) The greatest success overseas appears to be linked to some combination of the following elements: authority and clarity in the exposition of radioactive waste management policy; the early involvement of local authority organisations in site selection; careful attention to the potential contribution of authoritative independent advisory groups; the development and nurturing of local liaison committees to establish good communications at the local level; careful consideration of means of devolving some power to local authority level for safety reassurance; and the development of an incremental, openly negotiated approach to compensation. (author)

[en] The methods, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) are used to investigate the electronic structure of irradiation defects and impurities in silicon. 145 refs.; 34 figs.; 18 tabs

[en] The Economic and Social Research Council has studied four major environmental public inquiries, including Sizewell-B. This report summarizes some of the observations of the Sizewell Inquiry Review Project which has been analyzing the context, content and conduct of the Sizewell-B Inquiry. Although public inquiries in Britain have an important function in building public trust in planning decisions where opinions are divided and independent advice is needed, one outcome of the Sizewell-B Inquiry may be a streamlining of the inquiry process, eg by prior examination of policy matters, leaving the Inquiry to consider specifically site-related matters only. (UK)

[en] Public inquiries into controversial development proposals have themselves become increasing controversial in recent years. Despite their increasing length and cost, such proceedings remain part of the administrative process - the Inspector's report serving to 'inform the minister's mind'. This paper examines certain features of the Sizewell B Inquiry and draws attention to the ability of the applicants to respond to criticisms raised at the hearings through various forms of institutional adaptation. Changes to the Central Electricity Generating Board's case on the organization of project management, to the management of the nuclear site licensing process, and to provisions for future nuclear reactor choice are highlighted. Significantly, each of these areas had been the subject of particular investigations undertaken at the behest of the inquiry Inspector. The paper concludes by raising a number of questions concerning the implications of this singularly interactive process. (author)

[en] Plans for radioactive waste disposal have been among the most controversial of all environmental policies, provoking vociferous public opposition in a number of countries. This book looks at the problem from an international perspective, and shows how proposed solutions have to be politically and environmentally, as well as technologically acceptable. In the book the technical and political agenda behind low and intermediate level radioactive waste disposal in the UK, Western Europe, Scandinavia and North America is examined. The technical issues and the industrial proposals and analyses and factors which have been crucial in affecting relative levels of public acceptability are set out. Why Britain has lagged behind countries such as Sweden and France in establishing Low Level Waste (LLW) and Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) sites, the strength of the 'not in my backyard' syndrome in Britain, and comparisons of Britain's decision-making process with the innovative and open pattern followed in the US and Canada are examined. An important insight into the problems facing Nirex, Britain's radioactive waste disposal company, which is seeking to establish an underground waste site at Sellafield in Cumbria is given. (author)

[en] An analysis is given of recent insights into technological development and the environment. In particular, attention is paid to the question whether it is possible or not to combine continuous economic development with a release of the environmental burden. In several chapters the authors provide insight and discuss theories with regard to innovation and adoption of new technologies, the concept of transition management and the importance of uncertainty with respect to the decision to invest in environment-friendly techniques or not. Also, much attention is paid to characteristics of the Dutch economy and their consequences for technology and environmental policy and related interactions

[en] Accompanying the increased use of cost benefit analysis in the assessment of public sector resource allocation, is the need to quantify the benefits of projects for which part of the benefits are changes in the population mortality or morbidity rate. This topic, sometimes referred to as ''the value of life and safety'', has involved a variety of theoretical underpinnings, critical assessments and practical attempts at monetary evaluation. This report summarises an extensive literature review of the topic in a wide range of fields including medicine, legal compensation, transportation and the nuclear and chemical industries. The different methods are described, together with the accompanying constraints and an indication of the appropriateness of these approaches to different circumstances. Empirical estimates are presented which describe the range of values found in each of the four fields mentioned above. The main focus is on the valuation of mortality rather than morbidity. Finally, the range of values obtained between methods and fields are compared and discussed. (author)

[en] The Sizewell B Inquiry is turning out to be the longest and by far the most expensive investigation of its kind ever held in the UK. It is evolving from a statutory public inquiry into something akin to a commission of investigation. This paper looks at the circumstances which led to the current political support for the pressurized water reactor (PWR) and to the convening of the Sizewell B Inquiry. It also describes the purpose of the Inquiry and its constitutional role. The implications of the more independent, investigatory approach taken by the Inquiry are discussed. The paper also comments on the view that the Inquiry is not just an examination of the merits and drawbacks of the PWR: it is provoking questions concerning the workings of the 'big inquiry' itself. (author)