HC Deb 21 November 2000 vol 357 cc107-8W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of BNFL's business prospects for the Sellafield MOX plant since he was informed of the falsification of MOX data. [139287]

Mrs. Liddell

It is for BNFL to demonstrate that there remains a market for MOX manufactured by BNFL and that the economic case for operation of the Sellafield MOX Plant is sound. I am aware that BNFL is engaged in discussions with customers in both Europe and Japan on the supply of MOX to be manufactured at the plant.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the damaged MOX fuel assemblier manufactured by BNFL which is in the possession of the Swiss nuclear company NOK will be re-imported to the UK; and if NOK is seeking compensation from BNFL. [139400]

Mrs. Liddell

These are matters for the companies concerned. I understand that NOK and BNFL are currently carrying out an investigation to identify what caused the failure of certain fuel rods contained in MOX assembliers manufactured at BNFL's MOX demonstration facility.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the MOX fuel assemblier manufactured by BNFL which are in the possession of the German nuclear company Pruessen Electra will be re-imported to the UK; and if Pruessen Electra is seeking compensation from BNFL. [139399]

Mrs. Liddell

These are matters for the companies concerned. I understand that BNFL is engaged in discussions with E.On (which incorporates Preussen Electra) on a way forward on these matters.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to ensure that the Sellafield MOX plant will be capable of producing MOX to meet the specification of its prospective customers, should an authorisation for full operation be granted. [139293]

Mrs. Liddell

The quality control measures necessary to ensure that fuel manufactured at the Sellafield MOX Plant meets the required specification are matters for agreement between BNFL and its customers. As part of the process of restoring confidence, BNFL will want to demonstrate clearly to customers—and the wider public—that the manufacturing process and quality control arrangements at the plant are rigorous and satisfactory.