Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 March 2004. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 March 2004 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 discussions her Department has had about BNFL liabilities in the USA; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had about BNFL liabilities in the USA; and if she will make a statement. [161122] Mr. Timms: The Department has had many discussions with BNFL about its' business in the USA. These discussions have broadly been about BNFL seeking routes to significantly reduce its exposure to the US clean-up market. In relation to Westinghouse we have had discussions with BNFL about the steps that need to be taken to enable the business to operate with greater financial independence, so that possibilities for private sector participation are opened up. I have recently spoken to Spencer Abraham, US Energy Secretary, on these issues.

Secondary information