§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if the uranium imported from the Rossing mine in Namibia is being stockpiled.
§ Mr. Norman LamontPurchases of uranium from the Rossing mine are used for electricity generation in the United Kingdom's nuclear power stations. A stockpile, comprising material from all sources, is maintained to guard against interruptions to supplies for the civil nuclear programme.
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§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will publish in the Official Report the cost per pound of uranium supplied by Rio Tinto—Zinc from the Rossing mine in Namibia; and what is the total cost of the 7,500 tons under contract to be supplied;
(2) when the contract for the supply of uranium from the Rossing mine in Namibia expires; and if the Central Electricity Generating Board will then renew the contract.
§ Mr. Norman LamontDetails of uranium supply contracts, including terms, delivery schedules and expiry date, are commercially confidential. The board's procurement policy is to diversify its sources of supply. A range of possible sources is being considered for future supplies.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if uranium from the Rossing mine in Namibia is processed or enriched for purchasers other than the Atomic Energy Authority or Central Electricity Generating Board; and if he will publish details of any such customers.
§ Mr. Norman LamontUranium has been received in the United Kingdom from Namibia for processing and reexport on behalf of overseas customers. Details of such arrangements are a commercial matter for BNFL.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if the contract for the purchase of uranium from the Rossing mine in Namibia, initially agreed by the Atomic Energy Authority, has now been taken over by the Central Electricity Generating Board.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe contract, which was assigned to British Nuclear Fuels in 1974, has not to date been transferred to the Central Electricity Generating Board.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if the Central Electricity Generating Board is satisfied about the use of uranium in its nuclear reactors supplied from the Rossing mine in Namibia.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe use of uranium from the Rossing mine presents24W no technical problem in the operation of the board's nuclear reactors.