British auditors blast sub disposal efforts

LONDON — Britain’s National Audit Office has sharply criticized the Ministry of Defence for failing to properly dispose of its obsolete nuclear-powered submarines.

The watchdog says the ministry has not disposed of any of the 20 vessels decommissioned since 1980.

Underlining the long-term nature of nuclear waste, the total future liability for maintaining and disposing of the 20 stored and 10 in-service nuclear-powered boats is estimated to be 7.5 billion pounds ($9.8 billion) over the next 120 years.

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Public Accounts Committee Chair Meg Hillier complained about the “dismal lack of progress,” by the ministry to address the issue.

She says "the ministry needs to get a grip urgently" before the country damages its reputation as a responsible nuclear power.

The ministry says it will act “as soon as practically possible.”

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