HC Deb 22 February 1999 vol 326 c96W
Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) funded on the technical feasibility of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. conditioning German spent nuclear fuel and German nuclear waste currently held at Sellafield for final disposal in Germany; and what studies have been undertaken into the commercial opportunities for the company in Germany for undertaking such conditioning; [71919]

(2) what discussion he has had with British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. on the conditioning of German spent fuel and German waste currently held at Sellafield for final disposal in Germany; and if he will make a statement. [71916]

Mr. Battle

None. Subject to meeting relevant safety, security and international safeguard requirements, it is for the owners of spent nuclear fuel to choose whether to reprocess it or whether to seek alternative management options. The contracts now in place between BNFL and German electricity utilities are for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. Since 1976 all new contracts for reprocessing of overseas spent fuel have contained options for return of wastes. The government intend that such options should be exercised and that wastes arising from reprocessing be returned to the country of origin. Arrangements for the return of wastes are a commercial matter between BNFL and its overseas customers, subject to meeting relevant regulatory requirements.

Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the German Government on final disposal in Germany of German spent fuel and German nuclear waste that is currently held at Sellafield by BNFL. [71917]

Mr. Battle

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 15 February 1999,Official Report, columns 453–54.

Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the KPMG report on British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. [72591]

Mr. Battle

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 15 December 1998,Official Report, column 455.