Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 9 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 October 2006. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Thursday, 12 October 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

British Nuclear Fuels Limited

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with (a) the British Nuclear Group, (b) the National Decommissioning Authority and (c) the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate on the proposed sale of British Nuclear Fuels Limited.

Answer: None in relation to a sale of BNFL but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had discussions this week with BNFL, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate in order to determine whether he should approve a joint proposal from BNFL and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority that the opening up of the clean up market to competition should proceed in a different manner from that envisaged in the then Secretary of State's announcement to the House on 30 March, Official Report, columns 97-98WS.The issue is complex and requires careful consideration. It is important to get the right decision for the company, for the employees, for the UK's long term nuclear clean up market and for the taxpayer. We will make a further statement as soon as we have fully considered the issues and reached a decision.

Secondary information