§ 49. Sir J. Hutchisonasked the Prime Minister what capital contribution this country proposes to make to Eurochemic, the company for the treatment of irradiated fuels; and what right this country will have to the plutonium thereby produced.
§ The Prime MinisterEurochemic is an Organisation for European Economic Co-operation joint project for the separation of plutonium and the recovery of depleted uranium. The United Kingdom already possesses sufficient processing capacity and does not, therefore, participate in Eurochemic. We do, however, provide advice, and have indicated our willingness to provide technical assistance and equipment on suitable terms.
§ Sir J. HutchisonDoes my right hon. Friend's reply mean that of the plutonium produced this country will have no share and, furthermore, will have no control over the uses of the plutonium produced in this establishment?
§ The Prime MinisterThe point is really that, as we have sufficient capacity for our own needs, it did not seem wise to join this as a full member, but we are willing to help in any way we can with advice or technical assistance.