Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy, when considering the issue of transport licences for the export of plutonium, on examining the end-use requirements of the country or countries for which the plutonium is intended, to ascertain if there are genuine commercial needs for the material.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI assume that the hon. Member is referring to export licences. These are not issued unless the Government are satisfied that among other things the end use will be as stated in the application.
All exports of nuclear materials are made within the guidelines set out in the statement by the then Foreign Secretary, Lord Callaghan, on 31 March 1976 at columns 514–16.