HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc644-5W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 19 July,Official Report, column 13, on what occasions in regard to what nuclear materials the European Commission has granted a derogation under article 22 of EC Regulation 3227/76 for nuclear exports from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Eggar

Derogation from reporting has been granted to the Science museum, South Kensington, London for uranium and thorium specimens.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimates he has of the surpluses expected to be generated by Nuclear Electric, Scottish Nuclear and British Nuclear Fuel's operations from 1993 to 1998; and what restrictions he intends to place on their use.

Mr. Eggar

The profitability of Nuclear Electric, Scottish Nuclear and BNFL over the period 1993–98 will depend on a number of factors, many of which are inevitably uncertain. In their role as shareholder, the Government undertake appropriate monitoring of the companies' expenditure plans.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what the increase in liabilities would be for British Nuclear Fuels, Scottish Nuclear and Nuclear Electric if discounting is not applied to nuclear provisions.

Mr. Eggar

These are matters for the companies concerned.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research has been undertaken to verify that the two per cent. discount rate applied to nuclear liabilities by United Kingdom nuclear companies correctly balances the risks and benefits between current and future generations.

Mr. Eggar

This is a matter for the nuclear companies.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on progress in making his target in implementation of extended reporting of nuclear materials and equipment by August 1993.

Mr. Eggar

The submission of confidential returns has begun.