Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on progress made by research sponsored by his Department through the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority or British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. on laser isotope separation (LIS); for how long, and with what financial resources for the research and development, the laser isotope separation programme has continued; and what specific attention has been paid to safeguarding laser isotope separation technology in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency and Euratom.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerLaser isotope separation studies have been proceeding for some years in the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and British Nuclear Fuels plc, but it is too early to quantify progress towards a competitive commercial system. It is also too early to formulate specific safeguards measures since these measures will depend on the physical feature of the production unit.