Dounreay info ‘could help terrorists’

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has succeeded in keeping private details about enriched uranium and plutonium stockpiles at Dounreay.

Disclosing the information could help terrorists gain access to potential bomb-making materials, Deputy UK Information Commissioner Richard Thomas has ruled.

In the first case of its kind, Mr Thomas upheld the UKAEA’s refusal to hand over seven files to Edinburgh-based environmental journalist Rob Edwards.

He claimed disclosure could have “a far-reaching impact on the national security of the UK”.

Mr Edwards had sought information relating to fissile materials held at the UKAEA’s defunct fast reactor site in Caithness.

After having his initial request knocked back in March 2006, he used freedom-of-information (FOI) legislation in a bid to force the UKAEA to hand over the files.

The files comprise information about the layout and content of the high-active stores and their security systems, staffing arrangements and hazard assessments.

The UKAEA maintained that putting this in the public domain could help terrorists access the materials, with the attendant risks to workers at the site and to national security. It specifically cited the risk of material being stolen to make a “dirty” bomb

The quango also raised concern about nuclear proliferation.

The UKAEA acknowledged that releasing the information could contribute to public knowledge and a better understanding of health and safety issues.

But it said this was outweighed by the major potential security and safety concerns. In his ruling issued this week, Mr Thomas agreed that disclosure of the information would adversely affect both national security and public safety.

Mr Edwards has 28 days in which to lodge an appeal.