§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will update to 31 March 1986 the information on the allocation of plutonium produced in the Central Electricity Generating Board and South of Scotland Electricity Board Magnox reactors given in reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy on 23 July 1985, Official Report, column 475.
§ Mr. Goodlad[pursuant to the reply, 26 June 1986, c. 269–270]: The table sets out the allocation or use of plutonium produced in the Magnox reactors of the SSEB and CEGB at 31 March 1986.
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Allocation of plutonium produced in CEGB or SSEB Magnox reactors (position at 31 March 1986) Tonnes (to nearest half tonne) Plutonium in irradiated fuel (a) estimated in fuel in CEGB/SSEB Magnox reactors 9
Tonnes (to nearest half tonne) (b) estimated plutonium in fuel discharged from CEGB/SSEB Magnox reactors, but not yet reprocessed. 4 Separated plutonium (c) in stock at British Nuclear Fuels plc as oxide 23 (d) in process at British Nuclear Fuels plc in intermediate other forms (eg. nitrate) (e) sold or leased to UKAEA for fast reactor R & D since 1969 5 (f) exported for civil purposes to countries other than the United States Sub-total 43 (g) Balance (see note (g) below) Notes:
- (a) These figures are derived from the known tonnage of fuel elements and their estimated overall average irradiation and cannot be accurately calculated.
- (b) As for (a). About 20 per cent. of amount shown was held by BNFL.
- (c) and (d) This material is held at Sellafield on behalf of CEGB and SSEB.
- (e) About 20 per cent. of amount shown was held by BNFL.
- (g) The balance of plutonium produced in the boards Magnox reactors was consigned to the United States before 1971 under the United States/United Kingdom defence agreement, and as stated by the Prime Minister, on 21 April 1964, was used by the United States for civil purposes. Because of the barter arrangements under which plutonium was consigned, it would not be in the national interest to publish the figure.