§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding unfulfilled overseas nuclear fuel contracts; and what the expected cost overruns are in respect of these contracts. [66101]
§ Mr. WilsonI am assuming the question relates to existing contracts between BNFL and overseas electricity utilities for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel rather than to contracts for the supply of fresh fuel. The Government's position is that these contracts are binding, are supported by intergovernmental agreements and should be honoured. Details of contract prices, operating costs and throughput schedules are a commercial matter for BNFL and its customers.