Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 April 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list the agencies in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Union responsible for monitoring, intercepting and prosecuting in respect of incidences of alleged nuclear smuggling.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the agencies in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Union responsible for monitoring, intercepting and prosecuting in respect of incidences of alleged nuclear smuggling. [38733] Mr. Michael: The agencies which could be involved, in the United Kingdom are: Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, the relevant local police force, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Constabulary, the security and intelligence agencies, the Environment Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Directorate of Civil Nuclear Security, the Ministry of Defence Atomic Weapons Establishment and the Crown Prosecution Service, depending on the nature of any incident. International efforts to prevent or to track and prosecute nuclear smuggling are primarily taken forward in fora with a wider membership than the European Union. All member states of the European Union participate, on a national basis, in the collection and sharing of information on confirmed trafficking incidents through the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 310 c534W; 38733
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Crime prevention Crime Hazardous substances International cooperation Radioactive materials Smuggling