§ 42. Mr. Pentlandasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development on how many occasions British manufacturers have been refused permission to sell nuclear reactors to Roumania and other countries in Eastern Europe because of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation restrictions; and what decision has now been taken regarding this embargo.
§ Mr. du CannBritish manufacturers were informed earlier this year that a licence would not be given in present circumstances for the export of a nuclear reactor to Roumania.
On the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Commander Courtney).
§ Commander Courtneyasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what inquiries have now been received from the Roumanian Government regarding the supply of nuclear power stations; and what progress has been made in his 91W attempt, subject to appropriate safeguards, to seek to remove this type of equipment from the strategic embargo list.
§ Mr. du CannI understand that the Roumanians have made enquiries of of several firms in this country and elsewhere. My right hon. Friend is in favour in principle of seeking a modification of the embargo to facilitate the export of individual nuclear reactors subject to the proper safeguards. We are in touch with the United States Government on all aspects of this matter, which will of course have to be considered by all the other countries operating the embargo.