HC Deb 26 October 1976 vol 918 cc186-7W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will review the sources of supply of uranium for the United Kingdom nuclear industry in the light of technical problems which have created uncertainty about the volume and price of supplies from the Rossing mine in Namibia;

(2) what alternative supplies of uranium for the United Kingdom nuclear industry are being explored to fill the gap arising from technical failures at the Rossing uranium mine in Namibia;

(3) if he will review the sources of supply of uranium for the United Kingdom nuclear industry in the light of the inability of the Rossing uranium mine in Namibia to meet its contractual obligations.

Mr. Benn

I have been advised that production problems at Rossing are expected to be temporary and the longer-term uranium supplies from the mine are unlikely to be affected by them.

Current stocks should allow the United Kingdom to meet any temporary shortfall.