§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for what purpose special nuclear materials are being carried by air between RAF Brize Norton and the USA; and if he will make a statement; [16130]
(2) what steps he has taken to assure himself that flights carrying special nuclear materials between RAF Brize Norton and the USAF base at Dover in Delaware are in keeping with the United Kingdom's obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty; and if he will make a statement. [16131]
§ Dr. ReidThe Government are committed to all their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. I can confirm that the transportation of special nuclear material by aircraft between the United Kingdom and the United States does not contravene the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is conducted under the provisions of the 1958 UK/US Agreement for Co-operation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes.