Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much plutonium has been recovered from the uranium dioxide breeder fuel pins and pellets integral in the Dounreay prototype fast reactor core fuel subassemblies; and if this matter was reprocessed with, or separately from, the uranium/plutonium dioxide fuel pellets incorporated into the same core sub-assemblies.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is an operational matter for the UKAEA. I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list the number of export licences granted for the export of plutonium to the Federal Republic of Germany for each year since 1959;
(2) if he will list the number of export licences granted for the export of plutonium to Japan for each year since 1959;
(3) if he will list the number of export licences granted for the export of plutonium to Canada for each year since 1959;
(4) if he will list the number of export licences granted for the export of plutonium to Belgium for each year since 1959;
(5) if he will list the number of export licences granted for the export of plutonium to Italy for each year since 1959;
(6) if he will list the number of export licences granted for the export of plutonium to (a) Sweden, (b) the Netherlands, (c) Switzerland, (d) the United States of America and (e) Austria, for each year since exports of plutonium to each country began;
(7) if he will list the number of plutonium export licences granted for the export of plutonium to France for each year since 1985.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIt has been the standard practice of successive Governments not to make public the number of export licences granted for the various categories of goods controlled.
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Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether, under existing arrangements one export licence for the export of plutonium is sufficient to cover more than one contract for the supply of plutonium, or more than one load of plutonium; and what information is required to be supplied by the applicants for such an export licence to be granted.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerExport licences for plutonium are issued for a specific quantity of material destined for a specific purpose. Multiple shipments can be made under an individual licence.
Applications must be made on the Department of Trade and Industry's official export licence application form which calls for detailed information, including the end-use and user. Additional information may be requested in support of a particular application depending on the circumstances of the case.