To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will take steps to make mandatory the use of continuous enrichment monitoring, for nuclear materials verification of enrichment facilities. [6398]

Continuous enrichment monitoring is one of a number of techniques which can be used in the safeguarding of centrifuge enrichment facilities. Selection of the particular techniques to be used is made on a case-by-case basis taking into account facility specific considerations. Operation of the continuous enrichment monitor (CEMO) at Urenco's Capenhurst facility has shown the equipment to be cost-effective and reliable for confirming the non-production of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Technical discussions are currently taking place concerning the more widespread application of the technique.