To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the quantity of uranium hexafluoride which has been imported through Newhaven for each of the last three years; whether East Sussex county council is notified in advance of shipments; if he expects the level of trade to increase; and if he will make a statement.

:[holding answer 6 December 1989]: There are over half a million movements of radioactive material annually. The Department does not collect information on a routine basis on the ports or airports used for imports and exports of such material.All movements of nuclear material are conducted in full compliance with the relevant regulations. In the particular case of uraniun hexafluoride through Newhaven there is no statutory requirement for East Sussex county council to be informed.