33. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made so that figures obtained by regular monitoring of foodstuffs, atmosphere and water for radioactive content are interpreted for the greater London area and are published.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe measurements of the level of radioactivity contributed to the national diet by certain foodstuffs referred to by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his statement of 31st October, 1957, and the measurements of fallout in the atmosphere arranged by the Atomic Energy Research Establishment have been designed to cover the whole country; the results are being published from time to time but do not include a special interpretation for Greater London, where there is no reason to suppose the levels to be higher than elsewhere. The Metropolitan Water Board regularly tests the water of the Thames for radioactive contamination.
Mrs. ButlerDoes not the Minister feel that at least those responsible for public health should have the fullest information about local trends in radioactivity as well as sudden variations such as followed the Windscale disaster? Is he aware that many medical officers of health in the area feel that the existing machinery is not adequate to enable them to get the information to protect the public in this respect?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThere is publication of the result of the monitoring of these foodstuffs in the various technical and scientific journals. As for the local position, the London County Council has recently published the annual report of its Scientific Officer for 1957 which refers to the measurements of fall-out during that year and following the Windscale accident.