Published: Monday, 2nd November, 2009 11:30am

Calls to reveal top-secret nuclear dump

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A PLEA has been made for the Government to reveal a top-secret nuclear dumping ground situated in Argyll and Bute.

MP Alan Reid has called on the defence secretary, Bob Ainsworth, to come forward and name the site where the waste - radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear submarines - is being disposed of.

It comes after revelations that at least one site on the confidential list is situated in Argyll and Bute.

It was also revealed that Coulport was previously named as a possible site, but was later rejected.

Mr Reid said: "Every community in Argyll and Bute is now worried that a site near them is on the secret list of sites being considered as a nuclear dump.

"The Government must publish the list of sites. Publishing the list would set some people's minds at rest.

"Coulport, Ardyne Point and Machrihanish have been considered in the recent past as possible sites for storing the radioactive waste from old submarines.

"I opposed all three vigorously when they were proposed and I will equally vigorously oppose any future proposals to use any site in Argyll and Bute for breaking up nuclear submarines or dumping the radioactive waste."

A consultation will be staged in 2010 on project SDP - Submarine Decommissioning Programme.

It is believed that 12 sites across the UK are being considered for the break up of old nuclear submarines, or storing the radioactive waste.

Mr Reid has tabled a Parliamentary Question to the defence secretary in a bid to get him to name the sites on the secret list.

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