§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is proposed to export plutonium to the USA and, if so, whether they will reconsider any decision in view of the fact that even if the exports were limited to certain purposes the effect would be to release US supplies now devoted to the reactor programme for the increased production of nuclear warheads, planned to be expanded by two-thirds.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Mansfield)The possible export of United Kingdom civil plutonium to the United States for civil purposes was debated in another place on 21st December 1981. Since then the position has not changed. There have been no commercial negotiations and there is no agreement at either intergovernmental or commercial level to go ahead with the proposal. Its status is, therefore, purely that of a proposal under examination by the two Governments. If there is any change in that position, Parliament will, of course, be informed.
House adjourned at eight minutes past nine o'clock.