HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 c3
2. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether any nuclear materials have been exported from the United Kingdom to South America over the past year.

Mr. John Moore

The export of plutonium, uranium, thorium and their compounds is controlled through licences issued by the Department of Trade. Exports were made in the past 12 months under such licences to Brazil, Guyana, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. All exports were in such small quantities of materials that they could not be used to make a nuclear weapon. Where necessary, the materials are safeguarded under agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Minister aware that there are almost certainly six plutonium bombs in Campo de Mayo? Although almost certainly the result of the Falklands war has been to expedite the Argentine nuclear capacity, based on ex-Nazi scientists, none the less, if we are exporting very little, what about the French? What help is France giving—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman knows that he must question the Minister about the things for which he is responsible. He is not responsible for the French Government.

Mr. Dalyell

In that case, are we certain that exports to Peru do not find their way across the Andes to Argentina?

Mr. Moore

All the exports from the United Kingdom this year and in previous years have been of quantities insufficient to make a nuclear weapon. All exports of nuclear materials are covered by safeguard agreements and bilateral notes, effective through countries where there are intermediaries, such as the Federal Republic of Germany.