On the safety of French nuclear power plants

An allegedly secret report by the inspector general for nuclear safety, of EDF, has recently been unearthed and published by the French weekly 'Le Canard Enchaine, and the response in France, and very soon after also in West Germany, has been a number of alarming reports and articles in the press. Readers in West Germany have been stirred up by press reports that made French nuclear power plants appear to be a herd of hazards, which of course again added fuel to the feeling of fear of nuclear power already existing in the population. A copy of the internal report in question was sent without any fuss upon request by the atw editorial office who was preparing the interview. The report is a sober account of the state and operating behaviour of French nuclear power plants, also stating weak points seen by the safety expert that need particular attention. Materials are a main aspect in this context, particularly the materials behaviour in steam raising units. The problems have been spotted, and are given due attention. (orig./HP)