HC Deb 13 May 1991 vol 191 cc48-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond),Official Report, 25 April, column 497, he will set out the form of assurances covering peaceful use commitment on plutonium that are acceptable to Her Majesty's Government; and if he will list the dates on which such assurances have been received from foreign Governments for plutonium exported to date.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

All exports of nuclear materials, equipment and technology are made within the guidelines as set out in the statement by the then Foreign Secretary, now Lord Callaghan, on 31 March 1976 at columns514–16. These include the requirement to seek an assurance that the export will not be used to manufacture nuclear explosives for any purpose.

The dates on which these assurances have been received from overseas Governments for exports of plutonium could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

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