§ Mr. BakerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the potential for extracting plutonium from exported MOX fuel for use in the production of nuclear weapons; and if she will make a statement. [40328]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 7 May 1998]No detailed assessment has been made of the potential for extracting plutonium from exported MOX fuel for use in the production of nuclear weapons. I understand, however, that it is technically difficult to produce nuclear weapons using the reactor grade plutonium contained in MOX fuel. The potential for theft or diversion of plutonium, including that in MOX fuel, is fully taken into account in the application of internationally agreed safeguards and security measures. Plutonium, including that in MOX fuel, is exported only to countries that have provided the necessary assurances in relation to physical protection, safeguards and peaceful use.