§ 55. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Labour how many members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Factories are specially qualified to deal with the effect of the use of radioactive substances.
§ Mr. WatkinsonSix officers at headquarters with appropriate qualifications and experience have made a special study of the problem from the medical, scientific and technical angle, and the Chief Inspector of Factories draws freely upon the expert advice of members of the Radiological Advisory Panel, of the Statutory Advisory Committee appointed under the Radioactive Substances Act, 1948, of the Radiological Protection Service of the Medical Research Council 146 and of the Atomic Energy Authority itself. Instruction has been given to all inspectors in the precautionary methods to be adopted in the use of radioactive substances.
§ Mr. WilleyWhile fully appreciating what has been done, in view of the increasing use of radio-active substances in industry and medicine, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to see that this training is expanded rapidly so that it matches the increasing use of these substances?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes. I agree with the hon. Gentleman; this is very important, and we will certainly try to do as he suggests.