HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc1131-2
46. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what protection is made available to the British public against the danger of radiation resulting from accidental or malicious explosion at Harwell or any other radiation or nuclear station in Great Britain.

Mr. Maudling

There is no possibility of an explosion resembling that of an atomic weapon occurring as a result of accident or malicious damage to plant or laboratory equipment in any atomic energy establishment. In all instances where substantial quantities of radioactive materials are handled, very great care is taken to prevent any significant release of radioactivity as a result of fire or accident of any kind.

Mr. Hughes

While the Minister states that care is taken, may I ask whether he is aware that recently students at Manchester University demonstrated without damage how inadequate the present protective measures are? Will he offer the thanks of the Government to those students for their great public service in so doing?

Mr. Maudling

The Calder Hall "B" station, which I believe is the one concerned, has not yet reached the stage when any radioactive material is present at all.

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