§ 47. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that medical diagnostic radiology is responsible for about 22 per cent. of natural radiation and that nuclear fall-out from hydrogen bombs is responsible for about 1 per cent., what representations he has received for mitigating the possible dangers of medical diagnostic radiology.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
The Medical Research Council's report on the Hazards to Man of Nuclear and Allied Radiations recommended a review of present practice in diagnostic radiology, and a Committee under the Chairmanship of Lord Adrian is at present engaged in such a review.
§ Captain PilkingtonCan my right hon. Friend explain why it is that campaigners for nuclear disarmament and certain hon. Members opposite appear to concentrate on the 1 per cent. and ignore the 22 per cent.? Are they really concerned with radiation, or is this a Left-wing political stunt?
§ Mr. ButlerMy hon. Friend has done a service in drawing attention to the potential dangers of this type of radiation. To get an exact appreciation, however, we should await the report of Lord Adrian's Committee.
§ Mr. BevanDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that the recent overtures of the American Government to the important proposals of the Soviet Government are a Left-wing stunt?
§ Mr. ButlerI have said before at this Dispatch Box in answering Questions of this sort that I find it quite sufficient to answer on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.