Dear Mr Botley
Thank you for your letter to election candidates relating to 'green issues' in the Shepway District. My current views about the subjects raised are as follows:

ENERGY
Energy resources are finite and I support practical research into all possible sources for the future, including renewable energy (solar/wind/tidal). I do not rule out current nuclear fission, despite the problems, until a safer (nuclear fusion?) source is developed for the time when natural sources are exhausted. Energy is so important that suitable sites for must be decided nationally with local agreement.

GM FOODS
I share concerns about genetic modification and do not support commercial applications such as making food look more attractive or lasting longer, but acknowledge the need to develop better crops to relieve starvation in the Third World.

EMERGENCY PLAN
I was not aware that only local authorities near nuclear power stations have this responsibility. Radiation follows the wind across all boundaries and it would seem sensible for everywhere to have a contingency plan.

CYCLING
As a regular cyclist, I believe that all road planning should aim to separate cyclists from traffic. The small number of cyclists does not yet make this a budget priority.

OPERATION STACK
I dislike the prospect of building a huge new concreted area to park lorries. I would like to see upgrading of the A20 to improve flow during motorway closure, but best of all a European Directive banning strikes blocking the tunnel and the ferries.

RECYCLING
Shepway is neither the best nor the worst. There is a constant need to improve.

yours sincerely
Hugh Barker