§ Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what were the results of the discussions between the Atomic Energy Authority and Eldorado Mining and Refining Limited, Canada, regarding contracts for the supply of uranium; to what extent the United Kingdom is still importing uranium, specifying all the sources; and whether the United Kingdom is importing in excess of requirements owing to previous commitments.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe Atomic Energy Authority has two current uranium contracts with Eldorado Mining and Refining Ltd. and a draft agreement has been drawn up to give effect to an exchange of letters between the Authority and Eldorado in 1957 for the supply of a further 12,000 tons of uranium but at a reduced price and over a longer delivery period. The United Kingdom is importing uranium from South Africa and from Australia as well as from Canada. The contracts were made some time ago and, due to subsequent changes in the nuclear power programme, the rate of imports is considerably in excess of current requirements. A stock is being built up which will not on current estimates of requirements be wholly absorbed for a decade or more.