§ 49. Mr. George Thomasasked the Prime Minister what connection has been traced between the atomic tests in the Nevada Desert of the United States of America and the higher incidence of strontium 90 in the mountains of Wales.
§ The Prime MinisterSuch of the fallout from each nuclear test as does not fall locally takes a considerable period of time before it reaches the earth's surface, over which it is widely deposited. The strontium 90 deposited in Welsh mountains cannot therefore be attributed to the fall-out from particular tests.
§ Mr. ThomasSince it comes from somewhere, and since the prevailing winds in that part of the world are westerly and everything points to the fact that the Nevada tests made thousands of miles away are likely to have had their first deposits in the mountainous region of Wales, will the Prime Minister have further inquiries made? Will he also look into the possibility that the Murex Works, where atomic research is being conducted near these mountains, may have some effect?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Member would put down a Question with regard to the second part of his supplementary. With regard to the first part, although I am not an expert, I understand that winds blow in all kinds of different directions in different parts of the stratosphere.