Two reactors similar to the one that exploded there 10 years ago still remain in operation at the same site, posing the threat of another catastrophe.

He said no emergency condition existed and said the reactor would remain out of service until an investigation was completed.

Kan also said that until such plans are implemented, all the reactors should remain out of operation.

Both reactors at Hartlepool nuclear power station have remained in continuous service over the last two weeks, generating more than 379 million units of electricity.

The reactor operates for 43 days and remains in high earth orbit.

However, the reactor remained out of service for over a year, finally resuming commercial electricity production in September 2004.

About 137 active and 140 decommissioned or idle naval nuclear reactors, produced by the Soviet military, remain on the peninsula.

The reactor reached criticality on December 2, 1957, and remained in operation until October 1982.

The reactor operates for 43 days and remains in Low Earth orbit.

But other reactors would remain under Indian military jurisdiction, and not open to inspectors.