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when considering taking action under the general public health legislation,
but the Act does not detract from powers to take proceedings
in respect of radioactive waste disposals for reasons unconnected with
radioactivity. The Minister must consult public or local authorities
as he thinks fit before granting authorisations for the disposal of
radioactive waste from major nuclear establishments or where the disposal
is likely to involve the need for special precautions by an authority.
The Act contains provisions relating to punishment of offenders
but stipulates that no proceedings shall be instituted except by the
Minister or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions
The Government policy on the disposal of radioactive wastes contemplates
the use in suitable cases of local conventional methods,
e.g. discharge to sewers or disposal on local authority refuse tips,
and it is felt desirable that such methods should be used where practicable,
since by them harmless dispersal can most often be achieved
and increased exposure caused by multiple handling avoided. The Act
places a duty on a local authority to accept and deal with radioactive
wastes sent to their refuse tip in accordance with an authorisation,
and the Ministry advise that such waste should be taken straight to
the tip without being sorted for salvage and that it should be buried
below at least five feet of refuse or refuse ash, where it is likely
to remain undisturbed indefinitely.