The idea that nuclear power operators must "pay the price for nuclear energy" is being reported (8 January) as if it were an innovative imposition. Yet British Energy already incorporates an allowance in its operating cost to help pay for decommissioning its stations. In this way, a fund will be available to help pay for the ultimate safe disposal of stations and their waste. 

This is not entirely fair on British Energy, which inherited the stations from the state without any transfer of the funds built up by the state for decommissioning. So in this case, the state should share the responsibility. 

Steuart Campbell

Dovecot Loan

Edinburgh