§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken(a) within the United Kingdom and (b) in concert with his European Community counterparts to block the trade in red mercury compounds used in the manufacture of nuclear warheads.
§ Mr. NeedhamI am advised that the substance known as red mercury has long been incorrectly associated with capabilities in nuclear weapons development. Mercury oxide and mercury sulphide, whether or not in the form which gives them their red colour, are not subject to export control from the UK.