HC Deb 22 October 1990 vol 178 cc13-4W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what action will be taken by the United Kingdom Government to ensure that any nuclear materials or nuclear installations transferred from military to peaceful usage are verified under the existing voluntary offer safeguards agreements of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mr. Wakeham

All civil nuclear material held in the United Kingdom, including any material transferred into safeguards, is subject to Euratom safeguards under the Euratom treaty of 1957 and to the terms of the United Kingdom-Euratom-International Atomic Energy Agency voluntary offer safeguards agreement of 6 September 1976—IAEA INFCIRC 263.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish any proposals made by Her Majesty's Government to the International Atomic Energy Agency conference at the end of September relating to the annual International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards implementation report.

Mr. Baldry

No proposals were tabled by the United Kingdom delegation concerning the annual International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards implementation report during the International Atomic Energy Agency general conference in September.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether the United Kingdom Government or any other Government raised the issue of International Atomic Energy Agency application of safeguards during the International Atomic Energy Agency annual conference in Vienna during September, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

During the recent International Atomic Energy Agency general conference many delegations, including that of the United Kingdom, expressed their continuing strong support for the International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards system.