HC Deb 16 March 2004 vol 419 c180W
Mr. Watson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had about BNFL liabilities in the USA; and if she will make a statement. [161122]

Mr. Timms

The Department has had many discussions with BNFL about its'business in the USA. These discussions have broadly been about BNFL seeking routes to significantly reduce its exposure to the US clean-up market. In relation to Westinghouse we have had discussions with BNFL about the steps that need to be taken to enable the business to operate with greater financial independence, so that possibilities for private sector participation are opened up. I have recently spoken to Spencer Abraham, US Energy Secretary, on these issues.