A TERRITORY politician claims he was gagged by a Senate Inquiry into a proposed nuclear waste dump.

Independent Gerry Wood said he was previously allowed to speak at inquiries in Alice Springs and Canberra - but was not allowed to address the Senate Committee in Darwin yesterday.

The committee required him to present a written submission in advance.

Mr Wood said this had not been a requirement at previous inquiries and he believed his support for the nuclear waste dump was the cause for the gag.

But committee chairwoman Senator Trish Crossin said this was a "silly statement".

"Gerry Wood doesn't understand the Senate Committee process," she said.

"This is a different committee. People have to be proactive in contacting the current and relevant committee if they wish to speak."

One application had been made for Mr Wood to speak - by CLP Senator Nigel Scullion. But Senator Scullion was told Mr Wood needed to apply himself.

Senator Crossin said she had already indicated she would vote for the law when it reached the senate - so she has no motivation for blocking Mr Wood.