Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 November 2000. It was answered by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 November 2000 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, what arrangements he plans to make for future shipments of MOX fuel between Europe and Japan; what assessment he has made of the compliance of the shipments of MOX fuel from Sellafield to Japan with US requirements concerning safety and physical protection; and if the vessels concerned were classed as engaged in commercial cargo operations.

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what arrangements he plans to make for future shipments of MOX fuel between Europe and Japan; [140597] (2) what assessment he has made of the compliance of the shipments of MOX fuel from Sellafield to Japan with US requirements concerning safety and physical protection; and if the vessels concerned were classed as engaged in commercial cargo operations. [140601] Mr. Byers: The United States Government has confirmed, after careful scrutiny by all the relevant agencies, that the arrangements that were put in place for the shipment of MOX from Europe to Japan fully satisfy the physical protection provisions of Annex 5 of the 1988 US-Japan Nuclear Co-operation Agreement. PNTL vessels involved in MOX shipments are civilian vessels engaged in commercial cargo operations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c601W; 140597;140601
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: International cooperation Europe Japan Radioactive waste Nuclear safeguards Radioactive materials Treaties Transport Safety Shipping USA Sellafield Mixed oxide fuel International transport
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk