§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when plutonium material extracted from spent nuclear fuel in the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield will start to be returned to European customers; whether the plutonium materials will be transported to European destinations by land or sea; which British seaports or airports will be used; and if he will make a statement about current intentions with regard to the transport of plutonium to overseas customers.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryBritish Nuclear Fuels plc expects to return plutonium extracted from spent fuel in its thermal oxide reprocessing plant to its customers in Europe from the mid-1990s onwards. Plutonium arising from reprocessing in this country is returned to its country of origin or to any other destination only subject to application of safeguards and on receipt of assurances covering peaceful use, physical protection and controls on re-transfer. Its transport must be made in compliance with stringent national and international regulations. I understand that the options for returning the plutonium referred to by the hon. Member are still under consideration.