Meanwhile, the AEC admitted that it faces a shortage of radiation detectors for the expanded screening tests, because the current situation had never been included in its nuclear emergency scenarios. And the statement immediately prompted lawmakers to further question the government's capability in managing a nuclear crisis.

In order to monitor passengers returning from Japan to check for radiation contamination, the Atomic Energy Council from March 15 onwards, has set up radiation detectors at the airport.

These have been borrowed from Taipower with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables imported from Japan, including fish and meat and other goods being subject to a shortage of detectors as samples need to be sent for reexamination, requiring 3 days to receive non-radiation certification, before goods can be released.

This is worrying local businesses.

The AEC acknowledges that it had not planned for this type of foreign radiation entering Taiwan, with no contingency plan, only this emergency response.

The Japanese radiation accident also led legislators to question the ability of Taipower to control its nuclear power plants.

Some legislators pointed out that the AEC operating under the Institute of Nuclear Energy in recent years has seen the total annual amount of technology transfer reaching in excess of 78% coming form Taipower, which leads many to be worried.

Legislator Kuan Bi-ling also pointed out that to extend the 1st and 2nd nuclear power plant, Taipower has paid 360mn NT$ to the Institute of Nuclear Energy to carry out a safety assessment which may be a conflict of interest.

The AEC emphasized that control and supervision of nuclear power plants are completely separate operations and don't involve any conflict.