HC Deb 15 January 1988 vol 125 c422W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) on what basis the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority contracted to reprocess fuel from the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board in terms of fixed fuel volumes, duration of contract and linkage to lifetime of nuclear power stations;

(2) whether the original contracts between the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and the Central Electricity Generating Board and South of Scotland Electricity Board were concluded on an individual power station basis; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The UKAEA has no contracts with the CEGB and SSEB to reprocess nuclear fuel. The reprocessing contracts between the authority and the boards which existed before the creation of BNFL were transferred to the company.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether the contracts between British Nuclear Fuels plc and the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board for reprocessing are fixed price contracts; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether the contracts between British Nuclear Fuels plc and the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board provide for contingent costs to cover the additional costs arising out of improvements in waste technology; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The terms under which business is conducted between BNFL and the United Kingdom generating boards are a commercial matter between the parties involved.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the cost to date of the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Recorded expenditure to date on the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield is in the order of £700 million.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proportions the Sellafield thermal oxide reprocessing plant Thorp base load is expected to be provided for by overseas business from Japan.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Some 38 per cent. of the Thorp base load of 6,000 tonnes is expected to be provided for by business from Japan.