§ 6. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Labour when he will issue regulations under the Radioactive Substances Act to safeguard workers in industry against radiation hazards.
§ Mr. WatkinsonDraft special regulations under the Factories Acts for this purpose are in course of preparation. Further consultations are, however, necessary and there is a statutory procedure to be complied with before the regulations can be made. While I cannot be sure how long all this will take, it is hoped that the regulations may be made next year.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhile welcoming that statement, may I ask whether the Minister recognises the importance of having these regulations published as soon as possible in view of the dangers which certainly exist in this connection? Does he also recognise that certain other countries have already published their regulations?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am obliged to the hon. Member for raising this matter, but I think that he knows it is a very technical and difficult one, and we must get these regulations right.