§ 45. Mr. Frederick Leeasked the Prime Minister whether the Government will undertake a detailed investigation of the effects upon our climate, and the health of our people, of the release of radioactive particles and gases.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)I am advised by the experts that climatic effects are not susceptible to experimental test, but theoretical investigation shows that radioactive particles have no climatic consequences.
Fog and rain, our scientists assure us, cannot be caused by radioactive particles 560 or gases. But in any case, the effect on the atmosphere of the radio-activity from any atomic plants—I mean factories—is insignificant compared with the effects of natural radio-activity and cosmic radiation from outer space.
Research into the effect of radiation on health is being vigilantly and continuously carried on. No additional detailed investigation, therefore, seems called for.
§ Mr. LeeIs the Prime Minister aware that not all scientific opinion agrees with that analysis, and will he not cause an investigation to be made, in view of the colossal losses suffered, for instance, by our agricultural industry, and the corresponding increased prices which must be passed on to the consumer?
§ The Prime MinisterI should welcome advice and information from any quarter upon this subject. I have only one interest, like everybody else, which is to find out the truth. This is the best I can give at the present time, and I believe that it is supported by the highest authorities available.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that pneumoconosis, silicosis, X-ray cancer and other conditions develop many years after the cause has been removed?
§ The Prime MinisterThat may be true. I am getting a little out of my depth, and I am afraid that I do not quite see its exact relevance to this matter.