§ 45. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister what information he can give concerning the 20,000 units of strontium 90 found on the Perthshire hills and the large quantities contained in discarded deer antlers, bones of sheep and on hill grass.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect that such observations have been made in Perthshire, but I have no evidence to suggest that these observations as reported are accurate. I have, however, asked the Agricultural Research Council and the Medical Research Council to investigate the matter.
§ Mr. WoodburnAs I understand that it is one claim of science that it is accurate, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to use his influence to get scientists to talk with one voice on this subject? On one occasion, they say that the dangers are only one hundredth part of those of a luminous dial, while other scientists seem to imply that this will spread cancer to the whole population, which is very alarming to the ordinary public. Will the Prime Minister look at the matter again to get the facts before the public as quickly as possible?
§ The Prime MinisterIt would be a great advantage to us all if all scientists always agreed with each other, and, indeed, all other experts on all subjects; but I think that the scientific advice of these different bodies which the Government have and to which I have referred 775 is very authoritative, and I will take special care to see that this particular problem is put before them.