Plot thickens over Dounreay contamination

Widespread radioactive contamination has been discovered at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's nuclear research site at Dounreay in northern Scotland. UKAEA blames the contamination on leaky flasks used to transport waste more than 20 years ago - but is unable to explain why it has taken so long to come to light. Meanwhile, the costs of removing intermediate level waste from an unstable disposal shaft look set to greatly exceed UKAEA's estimate of £200 million - adding significantly to the taxpayer's bill for cleaning up the site.