HC Deb 24 February 1955 vol 537 cc1426-8
13. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to study and limit radiation hazards in the health of workers exposed to ionising radiations; and whether he will consult the Minister of Fuel and Power about the occupational health problem that may arise as a result of the programme of nuclear power development.

Mr. Watkinson

The precautions taken at factories to protect workers from ionising radiations are carefully watched by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Factories, which is notified by the Atomic Energy Authority of all consignments of radio-isotopes supplied by it to factories. The Chief Inspector has also issued an advisory booklet on precautions in the use of ionising radiations in industry.

I am at present considering, in consultation with the Chief Inspector, whether in addition to the general requirements of the Factories Acts, more detailed Special Regulations would be desirable for factories using ionising radiations. In all such matters I have the benefit of the expert advice of a Radiological Advisory Panel, of the statutory Advisory Committee appointed under the Radioactive Substances Act, 1948, and of the Atomic Energy Authority itself.

As regards the projected atomic power stations, I am in consultation with the Minister of Fuel and Power regarding the measures that will be necessary for the protection of the health of the workers.

Mr. Davies

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that important reply, may I ask him if the booklet can be made available in the Library to Members of the House? May I also ask if his Department and the Ministry of Fuel and Power will make sure that this time the Ministry of Fuel and Power does not make the mistake which was made 40 years ago in the mining industry, when we believed that dust was almost harmless, while today we are reaping the ghastly harvest of pneumoconiosis as a result of it; and will he keep alive this research into the health of workers exposed to ionising radiations?

Mr. Watkinson

I will have a copy of the booklet put in the Library, and I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. We will do our best to get this very difficult technical matter put right.