Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by Richard Page (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What representations he has received from the United States Government in respect of making use of spare production capacity at the Mox plutonium fuel production plant at Sellafield for the recycling of plutonium from dismantled nuclear warheads; and what new authorisations would be required for such recycling. - (Holding answer 14 October 1996).

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the United Stated Government in respect of making use of spare production capacity at the mixed oxide plutonium fuel production plant at Sellafield for the recycling of plutonium form dismantled nuclear warheads; and what new authorisations would be required for such recycling. [40445] Mr. Page: [holding answer 14 October 1996]: None. It is not possible to comment in detail on what authorizations might be necessary were any such contacts to be contemplated. However, British Nuclear Fuels did wish to conclude a contract for the fabrication of MOX fuel from weapons grade plutonium, then an appropriate revision to the Sellafield site safety case would be required, and would need to be agreed with the regulator, the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear installations inspectorate.

Secondary information