Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Hannay of Chiswick (Crossbench). It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 October 2006.

Energy: Nuclear

Question: What is their reaction to the pledge byMr Warren Buffett of $50 million to establish a nuclear fuel bank run by the International Atomic Energy Agency; and whether they are considering making a matching contribution of their own if the proposal for the nuclear fuel bank is widely accepted.

Answer: My Lords, the international community is actively seeking ways to ensure that the development of nuclear energy does not increase opportunities for the proliferation of sensitive technology. The Nuclear Threat Initiative put forward an interesting proposal at a special session of the IAEA last month. At the same meeting, the United Kingdom also put forward an innovative suggestion for an enrichment bond. The IAEA is currently considering these and other proposals, and its conclusions will be important in guiding future decisions.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 685 c1199
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: International Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear weapons Nuclear fuels Proliferation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk