Oral history of British science
Laughton, Anthony (Part 9 of 12). An Oral History of British Science.
- Add a note
Log in to add a note at the bottom of this page.
- All notes
- My notes
- Hide notes
- Add to playlist
Log in to add this item to one of your personal lists.
- Add to favourites
Log in to add and display this item in your personal list of favourites on the right hand side of this page.
The British Library Board acknowledges the intellectual property rights of those named as contributors to this recording and the rights of those not identified.
Legal and ethical usage »
Type
sound
Duration
00:45:29
Shelf mark
C1379/29
Subjects
Oceanography
Recording date
2010-11-29
Recording locations
Interviewee's home, Surrey
Interviewees
Laughton, Anthony, 1927- (speaker, male)
Interviewers
Merchant, Paul (speaker, male)
Abstract
Part 9: Story of pre-1978 relations between NIO and Sir John Hill (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority [UKAEA]) concerning nuclear waste disposal. Description of high level radioactive waste [HLRW] cylinders. Comments on proposals considered by Nuclear Energy Authority of OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). [4:30] Story of NIO/IOS research programme for Department of Environment [1979-1987] on viability of sub-seabed disposal [SSD] of HLRW. Description of pathways through which HLRW placed in deep ocean sediments could return to human food chains. Mentions work of National Radiological Protection Board in modelling these pathways. Detailed description of contribution of oceanographic knowledge to modelling. Mentions oceanographic cruises designed to collect data for modelling work. [10:42] Story of end to nuclear waste investigations caused by objections of National Union of Seamen and various national governments. Positive comments on viability of SSD of HLRW. [14:49] Description of sites identified as suitable for SSD of HLRW. [16:15] Comments on negotiations with Jim Slater, NUS. [17:32] Story of origin of relationship with Clare Bosanquet [CB], from 1966. Mentions marriage to CB, 1973. Comments on development of relationship with CB; CB’s employment in Cambridge and part-time employment in Surrey. [22:44] Mentions dates of birth of daughters: Rebecca, 1975; Susanna, 1979. Mentions family homes. [23:35] Comments on relations between family life and career in oceanography, including combination of private travel and conference work. [28:00] Comments on time spent with children, especially family holidays. [31:10] Comments on educational specialisation/careers of children. [32:04] Story of development of interest in sailing from childhood to present, including use/ownership of various yachts/dinghies, involvement of wife and children. [39:12] Detailed comments on effect of sailing/naval experience on ability to design and carry out oceanographic experiments. [43:39] Comments on interest in sailing of other oceanographers, including stories of sailing with DM.
Description
Interview with Oceanographer Sir Anthony Laughton.
Related transcripts
Sir Anthony Laughton interviewed by Paul Merchant: full transcript of the interview
Related links
Visit this interviewee's page on the 'Voices of Science' web resource
Metadata record: