The union was responding to the revelation that from the early 1960s until the early 1990s, vital organs were removed from former radiation workers who had died from cancer and were returned to Sellafield for further research, apparently without the consent of their families.

Organs from more than 60 workers were apparently involved at several BNFL sites and the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston.

Prospect, which is the largest union in the nuclear industry, has expressed alarm at the potential impact on members alive today and the distress caused to the families of deceased members. In a letter to BNFL, Prospect said the only way to assuage concerns was for BNFL to clarify its policies and actions at an independent public inquiry. Key questions to answer include:

• did such research take place without consent from the families, and if so, who?
• how many people were affected and who were they?
• what tests took place and what happened to the test records?
• what has since happened to the organs?

Prospect represents scientific, engineering, technical and managerial staff at BNFL, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (BNFL’s parent body) and MOD. General Secretary Paul Noon said: "Many of those affected would have been our members. We don’t want to rush to judgement, but we do want the facts. Removal of organs from deceased radiation workers without consent would be ethically, morally and possibly legally wrong. Whatever the motives, it should not have happened.

"The Government should organise an independent public inquiry into these events, overseen by an outside, independent figure. Its terms of reference should be agreed in full consultation with the unions representing staff.

"This issue must be treated in an open and transparent way to protect the interests of the affected families, employees across the nuclear industry today, and the wider public interest. Full disclosure must be the first step and of course an undertaking that such practices will never again be pursued."

Prospect wrote last week to Barry Snelson, BNG Sellafield Managing Director, calling for an inquiry. Mike Graham, Prospect National Secretary for the North West said: "The nuclear industry today has a record of openness and transparency and any investigation must be conducted in this spirit."

Prospect has pledged to offer support and guidance to the families of deceased members who may have been affected. "This is a traumatic time for all concerned and the families need to have certainty and closure," Graham said.

"Our primary concern and duty is to the families of those directly affected, many of whom will have relatives alive today or still working. That is why we have asked the company to set up a helpline and we will be offering our own guidance."