§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether the proposals put forward by the Netherlands to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) annual general conference in Vienna in September, on the need for an emergency overhaul of nuclear safeguards inspections, was supported by the United Kingdom delegation to the conference; what discussions took place between European Communities member state Governments on the Dutch statement before its presentation; and whether any costing of the Dutch proposals was worked out in advance of their presentation in Vienna;
(2) if he will print a summary in the Official Report of the policy proposals on nuclear safeguards which were (a) supported and (b) not supported by the United Kingdom ambassador on the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency when it met in September;
(3) what specific proposals to strengthen international nuclear safeguards were put forward by (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) other member states to the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent annual general conference held in Vienna.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe statement by the Dutch ambassador on measures to strengthen safeguards was made on behalf of all European Community countries. The United Kingdom thus fully supported the proposals contained in the statement which had been discussed in advance with our European partners. I am arranging for copies of the relevant statement to be placed in the Libraries of the House. The proposals provide for a full analysis of costs to be undertaken before a decision is taken on implementation. It will be for the IAEA to work out the costings of any proposed changes in the safeguards system.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether Her Majesty's Government have made any new 299W proposals to the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen international safeguards against diversion of nuclear technology and materials to military use, by amending International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards documents INFCIRC/209 and INFCIRC/254, respectively.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNo new proposals to amend these documents have been made by the United Kingdom to the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.