§ Mr. David Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for Energy what changes he proposes to make following the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Communities, dated 14th November 1978, in respect of article 103 of the European Atomic Energy Community Treaty in the arrangements (a) in respect of the ownership of fissile materials located in the United Kingdom, (b) between the United Kingdom and other countries for the supply and disposal of fissile materials, (c) for the movement of fissile materials within the United Kingdom and between the United Kingdom and other countries, (d) for the security and defence of nuclear establishments within the United Kingdom and (e) in agreements between the United Kingdom and other countries concerning fissile materials.
23W
§ Mr. Bean:The Court's decision concerned the participation of member States and of the Community in a proposed convention relating to the physical protection of nuclear materials, facilities and transports. The whole ruling is being carefully studied and the wider ramifications may well not become clear for some time. I will keep the House informed, since proper accountability to Parliament on all nuclear matters is a vital national interest.