HC Deb 01 April 1957 vol 568 cc18-20
9. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he is aware that ground bone-meal is used as an ingredient in some food for children and invalids; and what research is being conducted on the presence of radioactive strontium in cattle whose bones are so used.

Mr. Vosper

I understand that treated bone-meal is used in very small quantities in some cereal foods mainly intended for infants. No measurements of the level of Strontium 90 in cattle bones have been carried out in this country, but there is evidence that the levels are comparable to those in milk.

Dr. Stross

In view of the fact that strontium is taken up in bone just as calcium is taken up in bone, is it not desirable that ground bone should not be used in any food for invalids and infants unless we know exactly whether it is safe or not? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the bones of sheep in Wales, in particular, are said to be very highly contaminated with radioactive strontium?

Mr. Vosper

I am aware of that. Watch is being kept on this matter mainly in connection with the effect on milk. I am sure that the Medical Research Council is concerned about this and that advice will be given if necessary.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Is it not as well that the question whether or not Britain remains a great Power should not become lost in incomprehensible scientific jargon?

11. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will give the date and name of the medical report which states that the highest level of strontium observed in 1956 in the bones of young children in the United Kingdom was 1.3 units; and whether he will arrange for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Vosper

The report, which was dated September, 1956, was an Atomic Energy Research Establishment progress report entitled "Radiostrontium Fallout in Biological Materials in Britain ", and a copy was placed in the Library on 6th March. A further report was issued last month, and I am arranging for that also to be placed in the Library.

Mrs. Butler

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask if he will undertake to make these reports available to the general public from time to time in view of the increasing public anxiety about the level of strontium in the bones of children?

Mr. Vosper

I have studied this report and I am not quite certain how valuable it would be to the general public; but I will bear the point in mind.