HC Deb 22 December 1988 vol 144 cc434-5W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has concerning safeguards research at(a) Euratom and (b) the International Atomic Energy Agency into the safeguarding of inertial confinement fusion technology.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I am not aware that any such research is being carried on.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will set out the definition used by his Department, of the phrase "subject to safeguards", used in relation to nuclear materials.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Nuclear materials in the United Kingdom which are subject to safeguards are reported to the safeguards authorities with regard to stocks and movements. Such nuclear materials are verified by Euratom, in accordance with chapter 7 of the Euratom treaty. In addition the IAEA may, under the terms of the UK/Euratom/IAEA agreement, choose to designate for inspection a facility containing nuclear material. The IAEA also inspects some nuclear material in the United Kingdom under earlier bilateral safeguards agreements.