HC Deb 18 February 1985 vol 73 cc359-60W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the division in responsibility between his Department and British Nuclear Fuels plc, with regard to the storage, export and accountancy of plutonium.

Mr. Luce

Before an export licence is issued, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for obtaining appropriate assurances from the Government of a receiving state regarding peaceful and non-explosive use, application of International Atomic Energy Authority safeguards, standards of physical protection and conditions for retransfer. British Nuclear Fuels Plc is responsible to the Department of Energy for the storage and accountancy of all safeguarded material in its possession.