British Nuclear Fuels

HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 c412W

Mr. Ian Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the external financing limit of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. for 1998–99. [71253]

Mr. Byers

BNFL's External Financing Limit has been tightened by £115.5 million from £178.91 million to £63.41 million. This reflects adjustments in the profile of payments from the UKAEA to BNFL for decommissioning and waste management of UKAEA liabilities at BNFL sites, and correction of historical imbalances between the relative shares the parties pay to Nirex. Provision for UKAEA expenditure has been increased accordingly in the Spring Supplementary Estimate for Class V Vote 1. The adjustments do not require any increase in public expenditure.