HC Deb 16 June 1999 vol 333 cc133-4W
Mr. Burden

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning Turkey's plan to build a nuclear plant at Akkuyu Bay; what assessment his Department has made of the potential risks of this project; and if he will make a statement. [86849]

Ms Quin

We have received representations from the Greek Government on the matter of the proposed nuclear power plant in Akkuyu. They have drawn attention to their publication, "Risks Associated with the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in Akkuyu, Turkey".

We are aware that Turkey has been considering this project for some time as part of a wider strategy to increase energy production. Turkey is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has a full scope safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA). Any nuclear power plant in Turkey would be subject to full scope safeguards by the IAEA. Turkey has also recently applied to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Zangger Committee, the international nuclear export control regimes.

We understand that the Turkish authorities are still evaluating bids for this project. We will continue to monitor its development.