§ 49. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister to what extent he has studied the Report of the Scientific Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations on the dangers of radiation; if he has noted their warning that even a slow rise in environmental radioactivity can cause appreciable damage to populations; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this regard.
§ The Prime MinisterI have given careful study to the Report of the Scientific Committee and also to the statement on the Report by the Medical Research Council which was presented to Parliament in August by my noble Friend the Lord President of the Council. In their consideration of all questions relating to the effects of radiation, the Government will take the conclusions of the Report into account.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the Prime Minister realise that now we have this Report from the Scientific Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations pointing out the dangers of atomic radiation and the Special Committee of the Medical Research Council has expressed general agreement with the findings of that Committee? Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that it is not merely his hope but also his view—-and that of the Government—that nuclear tests should be stopped for ever?
§ The Prime MinisterRegarding the wider question to which the hon. Gentleman refers, the Scientific Committee's Report made clear that the radiation dose to be expected from the fall-out of tests was minute compared with other causes both natural and man-made. Some of these natural causes are due to the geological formation and radioactivity of rocks, and so forth, which are matters for further study. The man-made causes include luminous watches, clocks, television receivers and the shoe-fitting fluorescope 771 Regarding the latter, action has been taken by the Home Secretary. Concerning the question of diagnostic radiology, a committee, under the chairmanship of Lord Adrian, is inquiring into this matter, and that, perhaps, is one of the most important aspects of it.
There is also the question of occupational exposure among certain industrial, medical and atomic energy research workers. There very careful and minute medical procedure is carried out, but if it is necessary to tighten up that procedure we shall examine that matter, too.
§ Mr. RankinAdmitting all that the Prime Minister has said, in view of the dangers that arise from these causes, is it wise that we should add to them by political decisions?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but it is right that we should look at the matter as a whole.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerHas the Prime Minister observed that last week the new Chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission admitted that the number of test explosions made last year by the United States was 32 and not 16, as had been previously declared? Does this mean that the studies made by the United Nations Committee and the Medical Research Council were based on incomplete information about the amount of radiation released by tests?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but I think it is generally agreed that, apart from the radiation side of the question, there are other aspects. From natural and other man-made causes there are far greater dangers than from the tests. Of course, I hope that we shall reach agreement on abolishing the tests, but I think that the matter should be held in proportion.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHas the Prime Minister seen the evidence given by a very distinguished scientist. Dr. Linus Pauling, about the results of the tests themselves? If he has not, will he read it if I send it to him?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall be glad to read the evidence if the right hon. Gentleman sends it to me. But in the original Question to which the right hon. Gentleman's question is a supplementary, I was asked about the Report of the 772 Scientific Committee, and I must rely—I believe I am right in relying—on the views of the Medical Research Council on that Report.