§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specific actions have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to implement the resolutions to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear materials, agreed to by the International Atomic Energy Agency's 38th general conference.
§ Mr. David DavisThat matter was discussed shortly before the IAEA general conference at the informal plutonium users group, which meets in Vienna under the chairmanship of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom raised the issue of the physical security of nuclear installations in the light of the recent reports of smuggling of nuclear materials. The group is now considering specific proposals as to the role it might take, alongside the Interactional Atomic Energy Agency, to help improve security measures.
There are a number of projects already under way. Through the Overseas Development Administration, the United Kingdom contributes towards the International Science and Technology Centre in Moscow which is designed to provide work for Russian scientists, including those in the Russian nuclear industry.
We are also actively engaged in discussions with partners both in the European Union and the G7/G8 to ensure a co-ordinated international response to this problem.