§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science the average length of time for which depleted uranium has to be stored by the Atomic Energy Authority before the radiation properties are so removed as to allow it to be used for industrial purposes.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethOrders for depleted uranium from the Atomic Energy Authority are met from unirradiated material which needs no storage before use. Depleted uranium recovered from irradiated fuel would be used only after processing and, if necessary, storage for up to three years, in order to allow the decay of activity from residual fission products.
§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what financial help and encouragement he is giving to the Atomic Energy Authority to promote the sales of depleted uranium on the home and the export markets.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe Atomic Energy Vote includes provisions for expenditure on sales promotion. The manner of disbursement is within the day-to-day responsibility of the Authority. As I informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question of 11th December, the Authority advertises depleted uranium for sale in this country and abroad and is pursuing a policy of active salesmanship to increase sales.