HL Deb 17 May 1993 vol 545 cc76-7WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is the case that the North Korean plutonium production reactor is a copy of plutonium production reactors operated by British Nuclear Fuels at Calder Hall and Chapel Cross, and, if so, what conclusions do they draw.

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

North Korea possesses a graphite moderated reactor which, while much smaller, has generic similarities to the reactors operated by British Nuclear Fuels plc. Design information in respect of the latter is not classified and has been published in technical journals. Her Majesty's Government do not know whether North Korea has drawn on these publications. Graphite moderated reactors continue to be a reliable source of nuclear power. Her Majesty's Government attaches great importance to North Korea meeting its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and will continue to urge North Korea to reconsider its announced intention to withdraw from the treaty.