§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many kilograms of plutonium have gone missing from military nuclear facilities in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what accounting procedures are in operation to ensure that all plutonium held for military purposes is at all times fully accounted for; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyDefence plutonium is subjected to the most stringent security and accountancy control, but in common with the long-standing practice of successive Governments with regard to the defence nuclear programme I am not able to disclose further details.