§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the main sources of supply of uranium, by percentage or tonnage; what steps are being taken to diversify sources of supply; and if any strategic stockpile of this material is maintained.
§ Mr. Eadie:Current United Kingdom uranium requirements are met from contracts with Canada and Namibia, from the recycling of uranium derived from reprocessing and from stock.
Each of these contracts provides for deliveries of an average of some 1,000 short tons per annum.
The generating boards and BNFL are seeking to diversify their sources of uranium for the future and negotiations are taking place with potential suppliers in Australia and the Niger. They are currently participating in a number of joint exploration ventures in North America, Australia and Africa and are examining prospects for participating in additional ventures elsewhere.