HC Deb 19 December 1983 vol 51 cc9-10W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister, pursuant to her answer of 21 November, on what date the Central Electricity Generating Board acquired an option to purchase part of the consignment of United States-origin heavy water recently sold by West Germany to Argentina; for what consideration; what were the terms of the option; what weight of heavy water was covered by the option; on what date the option was disposed of or otherwise abandoned; in favour of whom; for what consideration; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

The Central Electricity Generating Board acquired the option from a West German firm to purchase heavy water against the then planned requirements of the steam generating heavy water reactor in 1976. Following the termination of that programme, the CEGB tried to dispose of its commitment and in November 1981 found a buyer in Argentina.

As the arrangements or sale were not complete at the time of the Falkland crisis, the CEGB did not go ahead with the sale. In November, 1982 the CEGB negotiated its release from its own commitment to purchase the heavy water which had at all times remained in the Federal Republic of Germany.