HC Deb 12 December 1989 vol 163 cc533-4W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total of processed uranium exported by the United Kingdom in each year since 1973–74(a) in tonnes and (b) in value at constant prices; and what was the total of uranium imported by the United Kingdom in each year since 1973–74: (a) in tonnes and (b) in value at constant prices.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Since 1979, uranium ore concentrate containing over 10,000 tonnes of uranium, has been imported for use in the United Kingdom civil programme. During the same period, uranium ore concentrate containing over 30,000 tonnes of uranium, has been processed by British Nuclear Fuels plc on behalf of overseas customers for subsequent export. Annual figures could be given only at disproportionate cost. The value of this material is commercially confidential. All such uranium is subject to Euratom safeguards and to the terms of the United Kingdom-Euratom-International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards agreement.