PARLIAMENT adopted a resolution approving a nuclear agreement with the US, tabled as a report by Xuala Ahern (Leinster, Greens). The resolution complained about the absence of democratic control on the European side, and Parliament's inability to influence its contents, whereas in the US it had to be passed by Congress. It covers production, controls, trade and trafficking in plutonium, and contains provisions designed to ensure high standards of safety and respect for health and the environment. Mrs Ahern was worried about the plutonium economy, and the dangers posed by the transport of large quantities of plutonium, particularly to La Hague and Sellafield.
The Commission acknowledged the criticisms of the lack of democratic process, and pointed out that it had proposed to the IGC that all three treaties should be fused, thus giving Parliament more scrutiny. However, while some member states were against a nuclear industry, others were in favour. The resolution approved the nuclear agreement with the US, but asked that Parliament should be better informed, and stated that air transport of nuclear materials is unacceptable.