Environment minister Michael Meacher has defended discharges from the Sellafield nuclear power plant but admitted the Norwegian government is right to be concerned.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, he conceded there were concerns about the impact on fish and humans of the radioactive discharges into the North Sea by the Cumbria plant.

"I think they are right to be concerned about this problem. The Norwegian concern is that fish might be radioactively contaminated, even though our scientific advice is that the risk to human health is minimalist," he said.

"There is a perception of harm, however inaccurate, which may affect the markets for their fishing industry."

However, he noted that such discharges had been reduced by 99 per cent over the past 25 years, while ministers were looking into ways to reduce this further.

"We are looking at that very seriously, but there are health and safety standards for workers at Sellafield. As you concentrate this particular radioactive nuclide, the risks to those on site increase. I am not saying it cannot be done. I am saying we have to meet the highest standards and we will do what we can to meet their concerns," he added.

His comments follow protests at an environmental conference in Bergen against discharges from the plant, which have received endorsement from the country's prime minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik.

The government of Norway is said to be considering international legal action against the UK over the nuclear plant.

Speaking on Norwegian television, the prime minister said: "I am urging as many Bergen citizens as possible to take to the streets against Mr Meacher and Sellafield. This deserves a demonstration, and the more people the better."