HC Deb 19 May 1977 vol 932 c238W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the countries which have nuclear reprocessing facilities; if he will give capacities in each case; and in respect of the USA whether there are any commercial facilities in the private sector.

Mr. Benn

I am advised that reprocessing facilities in the United Kingdom can deal with 2,250 tonnes/year. As regards countries overseas, the following capacities have been reported:

Country (excluding those with centrally planned economies) Expected capacity Tonnes/Year 1977
France 1,100
Germany 40
Japan 20
India 60

In addition, France and the United Kingdom will each have about 5 tonnes/year reprocessing capacity for fast reactor fuels. The American plant at Barnwell—Allied Gulf Nuclear Services—with a planned capacity of 300 tonnes is a commercial facility in the private sector, but its future is dependent on United States Government policy.

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