§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps have been taken in concert with EEC partners to seek supplies of uranium from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ Mr. BennThere has been no concerted approach to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on uranium supplies.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish the terms of the original contract between the then Ministry of Technology and RTZ for the supply of uranium.
§ Mr. BennNo such contract existed. The contract was originally between Riofinex and UKAEA and was assigned to BNFL on 23rd December 1974. It is not normal practice to disclose details of commercial contracts.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy in what month the first deliveries of uranium oxide from Namibia are due in the United Kingdom; if it will be transported by sea or by air; and to whom the metal will belong during transit from Namibia to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BennThe detailed schedule for these deliveries has not yet been agreed but under the terms of the contract deliveries are due to start in 1977. As with most imports to the United Kingdom, the material in transit belongs to the purchaser. I am advised that the remainder of the information requested is commercially confidential.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied about the security of supplies of uranium from Namibia in the next five years; and what alternative sources of this metal are available to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BennI cannot be sure, but the Government have been advised that there are no alternative supplies in comparable quantities available.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in the light of the importance of uranium in future energy calculations, he will discuss with RTZ the purchase of its interests in exploration for and mining of uranium.
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§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if uranium supplied from Namibia will be needed for immediate use or for stockpiling.
§ Mr. BennI am advised that the uranium supplies from the Rossing mine will be needed to meet expected United Kingdom demand.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions have taken place with the Canadian Government about future supplies of uranium to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BennDiscussions have taken place at both Government and industrial levels as the opportunity has arisen.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what cancellation charges would be payable if the Rossing uranium contract were not proceeded with on account offorce majeure.