To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his letter of 13 May, in what ways he has kept up constructive pressure on Russia in relation to radioactive waste management. [40366]

Meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency's contact expert group provide regular opportunities to discuss radioactive waste management issues. Both the UK and Russia are full members. The group, which also co-ordinates and monitors aid for nuclear waste management projects in Russia, met last on 10 and 11 September 1996.