§ 5. Mr. Formanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the progress achieved in the London Club of nuclear suppliers.
§ Mr. TomlinsonOfficials from a number of countries who have decided to harmonise their nuclear export policies held another meeting in London on 11th and 12th November under United Kingdom chairmanship. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure that nuclear exports do not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear explosive devices. The Governments concerned will continue to keep in close touch.
§ Mr. FormanI thank the hon. Gentleman for that rather laconic answer. Does he agree that the issues involved are so grave that it is of the utmost importance to try to invoke the support of Parliament and public opinion by lifting the secrecy within which the discussions are conducted? Is the group now any nearer to publishing an up-to-date version of the so-called Zangger trigger list of proscribed nuclear exports, such as reprocessing and other sensitive technologies?
§ Mr. TomlinsonAt some stage it may be possible to say more on this subject. For the present, however, it has been agreed by all those participating that the discussion can best make progress if confidentiality is maintained. That applies to the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question as well.
§ Mr. HooleyIs my hon. Friend aware that secrecy in this matter will merely exacerbate public disquiet and uncertainty in these matters? Do our Government support the initiative taken by President Ford and by the American Administration on the idea of a three-year moratorium on the export of any reprocessing equipment for nuclear fuel?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI can only re-emphasise that it has been agreed by all 1313 those participating that the discussions can make real progress only if their confidentiality is maintained.