Catch 22 in achieving public trust

The strategy of NIREX, the organisation responsible for the safe disposal of radioactive wastes in the United Kingdom, in trying to gain public acceptance of its suggested disposal sites is discussed. The idea that opposition to nuclear power waste disposal in a particular locality is due to public ignorance is shown to be untrue. The opposition to the proposed site at Elstow in Bedfordshire is cited as an example. NIREX is accused of increasing public mistrust and anxiety, thus making public acceptability unlikely. (UK)