UK authorities announce nuclear liabilities manager

LONDON - The UK government has announced a new approach to the clean-up of the legacy created by the early years of Britain's military and civil nuclear programmes. A Liabilities Management Authority (LMA) will be established to take on responsibility for most of the UK's public sector civil nuclear liabilities on behalf of the government. Patricia Hewitt, in a statement to the House of Commons, said: "The government's priority is the safe, secure and cost effective discharge of its nuclear liabilities in a way that ensures protection of the environment." She claimed the LMA showed the UK government's commitment to delivering a clear and focused long-term strategy to deal with the nuclear legacy with a firm focus on environment and safety. The LMA will be responsible for the government's interest in the management of public sector civil nuclear liabilities. On behalf of the Government the LMA will take on responsibility for most of BNFL's liabilities and assets as well as those of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).