§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make it her policy to place on the agenda of the next European Energy Council meeting the issue of measures to combat nuclear materials and technology smuggling. [38728]
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§ Mr. BattleIssues relating to nuclear materials and technology smuggling—export controls, nuclear materials accountancy and control and physical protection—would, by virtue of competence falling to the Community under the Euratom Treaty for nuclear materials accountancy, or because the issues come under discussions held under the Common Foreign and Security Policy, normally fall within the remit of the General Affairs rather than Energy Council.
However, because it is important to continue worldwide efforts to prevent and, when it occurs, combat nuclear materials and technology smuggling, discussion of an agreement on appropriate measures occurs primarily amongst G8 and within the IAEA. The Government believe these wider international fora remain appropriate for ensuring continuing effective collaborative international action.