HC Deb 22 July 1981 vol 9 cc125-6W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether his Department carries out contingency planning for the eventuality that certain sources of uranium will become unavailable.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Procurement of uranium is a matter for the British Civil Uranium Procurement Organisation. In the longer term the policy of BCUPO is to diversify sources of supply. I am satisfied with the measure of protection which stocks of uranium currently held provide against the interruption of any particular source in the shorter term.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment is made of the security of supply of uranium ore from Namibia.

Mr. Norman Lamont

I have no reason to expect any interruption in supply. As I have explained in my answer to my hon. Friend's earlier question today, I am satisfied with the measures taken to protect against any such risk.