Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of technical methods of improving the non-proliferation measures available to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
§ Mr. BaldryI have been asked to reply:
The assessment of technical methods to ensure the capability of the timely detection of diversion of significant quantities of nuclear material from peaceful nuclear activities is a continuing activity for the IAEA and its member states. The United Kingdom, along with a number of other member states carries out a safeguards research and development programme in support of the IAEA. Our technical programme, carried out by AEA Technology on behalf of my Department, involves the provision of technical reports to the IAEA on many areas of interest identified by them. The IAEA has expressed satisfaction with the programme.