§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent communications he has had from the European Commission in respect of the812W adequacy of data provided to the Commission in regard to the applicability of Euratom Treaty Article 37 to the MOX demonstration facility at Sellafield. [137871]
§ Mr. MeacherI have been asked to reply.
Acting on a complaint, the European Commission has asked what general data have been provided under Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, covering the operation of the MOX Demonstration Facility, and requested other information relevant to the issue of whether such data should have been submitted. The Government's response confirmed their view that, on the basis of current guidance and of discussions with the Commission in 1996, no submission of data is necessary in respect of the MOX Demonstration Facility. Notwithstanding this view, the Government have offered to provide the Commission with comprehensive background information in order to assist it in replying to the complainant.