HL Deb 16 July 1992 vol 539 cc45-6WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the potentially destructive qualities of plutonium, they consider that its production and export by the United Kingdom breaks undertakings they have entered into under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and what action they propose to take.

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

No. The United Kingdom abides strictly by its obligations under the non-proliferation treaty.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will arrange for the United Kingdom to cease being a major creator, producer and transporter of plutonium.

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

No. Reprocessing does not create plutonium; it recovers it in a form in which it can be, and increasingly is, recycled to generate electricity.