HC Deb 21 October 1993 vol 230 cc325-6W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to exchange notes with representatives of the Federal Government of Australia about an agreement over the ex-gratia payment to be made by Her Majesty's Government in respect of the clearing of the former United Kingdom atomic bomb test site at Maralinga, South Australia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

On 14 July 1993 the United Kingdom Government agreed in principle to make an ex-gratia payment to the Federal Government of Australia as a contribution to the cost of the further clean-up of the Maralinga site. Preparation of the legal documents giving effect to this agreement is at an advanced stage.