ÃÂ¶Â°ÃÂ¯ ,

MEDIA RELEASE BY MR. LES JOHNSON, M.H.R. FOR HUGHES, OPPOSITION  WHIP, 2A BOYLE ST., SUTHERLAND.  Phone: 521-6262. 5.10.78

CLOSE SCRUTINY OF GOVERNMENT ASSURANCE ON NUCLEAR WASTE Â· REQUIRED

Mr. Les Johnson,  M.H.R. for Hughes,  is concerned with the |

Government's apparent refusal to consider and analyse j

evidence which suggests that the Government's assurances 1

that a practical and safe method for the handling of nuclear

waste exists. j

" I

I

Mr. Johnson said that in answer to a detailed question on  i

the notice paper the Minister for National Development and

the Prime Minister have sought to rely on an 8 page ^

publicity handout of the International Atomic Energy Agency 1

to claim that the technology for handling (high level waste) l

is now fully developed. '

"They, seek to give; the impression that the only difficulty I

remaining is in,deciding which of several methods should ;

be used on a commercial basis," he said.

I

Mr. Johnson said that it is not the role of the Government

to become the apologist for the nuclear industry but rather

to facilitate the presentation of information on both sides

of the important question of the safe handling of nuclear waste.

"As scientists and technical experts differ on this issue,

it is the duty of the Government to analyse' all critical

reports", MrÂ·. ,  Johnson said. " Â·  ÃÂ': "  '  ' Ã¢ÂÂ   :  Ã¢ÂÂ

He instanced the recent report on nuclear power costs prepared

by the Environment,  Energy and Natural Resources Sub Committee

of the U.S. Congress House Government Operations Committee

. . . . / 2

V 2 .

as one important issue which called for an objective

Government reaction.

Mr. Johnson said the Government's stonewalling tactics were

no substitute for its obligation to provide factual and

reliable responses to the rising concern emanating from

informed public and scientific sources.

