§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the ex-gratia payment towards the clean-up of the Maralinga site will be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hanley[pursuant to his answer, 1 December 1993, column 609]: The United Kingdom Government agreed in principle on 14 July to make an ex gratia payment of £20,000,000 to the Federal Government of Australia as a contribution to the cost of the further clean-up of the Maralinga site. A note giving effect to this agreement was signed today by the Australian High Commissioner and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. A copy of the note will be placed in the Library of the House. The payment will be phased over six years beginning on 1 January 1994.