§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will provide a breakdown of the moneys to be paid to the Japanese authorities, as a result of the agreement reached in July 2000, in respect of the return of the improperly exported mixed oxide plutonium fuel; what change there has been to the costs since the agreement; and when the return shipment of the mixed oxide plutonium fuel will commence. [6253]
§ Mr. WilsonNo money is to be paid to Japanese authorities. BNFL's published annual report and accounts for 2000 state that BNFL has agreed with its relevant Japanese customer, the Kansai Electric Power Company, a compensation package including £40 million to be paid in compensation and return of the fuel to the UK at BNFL's expense. The accounts show that BNFL has made a financial provision of £113 million to cover the costs associated with dealing with the fuel. It is the intention of the companies involved to be as open about the plans and arrangements for transporting the fuel to the UK as normal security considerations allow and they plan to make available relevant information in advance of the transport. The July 2000 UK-Japan inter-governmental agreement specified that the intention is for BNFL to return the fuel within 2–3 years. This remains the case.