§ 19 Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what advice he has been given on the pollution of soil and green herbage by the fall-out of radiostrontium; what has been the maximum and minimum fall-out in hill country as compared with the presence of radiostrontium before the Bikini test; and for how many years it is estimated that fall-out will continue even if no more bombs are exploded;
(2) what tests have been made of milk for the presence of radiostrontium in different parts of England and Wales; and what results have been noted;
(3) whether he will give the figures for strontium 90 activity in sheep bones for Cwymstwyth, Wales, in March, 1955, and October, 1955.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)The information required by the hon. Member is contained in two reports by the Atomic Energy Research Establishment—"Radio-strontium Fall-out in Biological Materials in Great Britain", and "Radiostrontium and Radiocaesium Measurement in Biological Materials to December, 1956." Copies have already been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Dr. StrossIs it fair to say that in certain areas the fall-out has been very heavy indeed compared with others? If that be the case, and if the content found in animal bones is many hundred times higher than that found in human bones, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister whether words such as "negligible" or "slightly higher than normal" are really applicable to those bad areas compared with the normal ones?
§ Mr. GodberI would agree that there is considerable variation in the figures, as the hon. Gentleman has said, but even the highest figures are really comparatively low in relation to, for instance, the levels which are accepted by the International Commission for Radiological Protection as the maximum permissible concentration for workers who are in contact with these substances. I realise the dangers. but we have to keep a sense of proportion.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that there is a good deal of public concern in Wales about the matter? Does he appreciate that it is a matter of the greatest importance for the area, part of which is a very important tourist area, and that alarm might be caused there? Ought not a full statement to be made as soon as possible to explain the position?
§ Mr. GodberNaturally, I recognise what the right hon. Gentleman says, but there is no question of any danger to tourists— none whatever. The only possible dangers that could arise would be in a slow build-up over a long period. The case cited has been that of the bones of sheep, and there is no question of anybody eating the bones.
§ Mr. GriffithsCan the hon. Gentleman make a categorical statement that neither food nor water is in any way contaminated?
§ Mr. GodberI can certainly do Chat. At present there is no question of any danger in respect of either water or food.
§ Dr. StrossAs the matter is of very great importance, and as it is very difficult to get suitable answers in this way, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.