Answers on nuclear view; Your Say.

HAVING read Ashok Kumar's 'Alice in Wonderland' version of the benefits of a new nuclear power station at Hartlepool, which was full of the usual politically correct rhetoric ie. full time jobs, greenhouse gases, cutting carbon emissions, apprenticeships, skill and training, boost to economy, 3,000 construction workers, well meaning phrases, but nothing of any substance, and nothing about the real issues, safety, costs and efficiency of this nuclear menace, will he please tell us about: The seven months closure of Hartlepool station (E.G. 28/5/08).

The 17 months closure of the four reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool because of corrosion (E.G. 13/3/09).

Please tell us how many other stations in the UK have been off line, for what periods and what costs to the taxpayer.

Also would the honourable gentleman please give the answer to the following questions? How many times has the old nuclear station been off line and the cost of these safety shutdowns? If it takes 100 years to decommission, will it have to be guarded from terrorist threats, and again what will it costs? Has the Government decided how to dispose of nuclear waste and the cost? What is the cost of a new nuclear station and how efficient will it be? Will it have to be guarded against terrorist threats? What emergency plans to evacuate Durham and Yorkshire are in place if there is a meltdown at either station? Please, honourable Ashok, no more platitudes, just make a better case for building these monstrosities.

HAROLD, Great Ayton