Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 1999. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement in respect of the proliferation implications of the plutonium shipment involving the Pacific Pintail and Pacific Teal.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement in respect of the proliferation implications of the plutonium shipment involving the Pacific Pintail and Pacific Teal. [94713] Mrs. Liddell: The UK's international nuclear trade, including the export of Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, is undertaken strictly within the terms of international agreements on nuclear non proliferation, safeguards and physical protection and is entirely consistent with the UK's obligations in these areas. Very stringent physical protection and safeguards measures are applied to MOX at all time, including during transport, to prevent its theft or diversion to non-peaceful purposes. The Government are satisfied that the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation from the manufacture and use of MOX in Europe and its export to Japan is minimal.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94713; 336 c658W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Japan Radioactive materials Proliferation Transport Safety Shipping Plutonium Mixed oxide fuel MV Pacific Pintail MV Pacific Teal