HC Deb 05 April 1960 vol 621 c183
20. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what increases in radioactivity in the air and in rainfall, respectively, have been recorded in stations in West Africa since the last past of February.

Mr. Alport

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey) on 28th March.

Mr. Allaun

Will the Minister give the figures? His previous Answer did not give them. In view of the heavy fall-out in Britain and Belgium, which are much further away from the Sahara tests, will he send an observer to the conference of African States now meeting to discuss this subject? Does no one know what happened in East Africa and India, because I understand that the wind was blowing in that direction?

Mr. Alport

I think that the hon. Gentleman is particularly interested in the results affecting Nigeria. I remind him that the scientific committee concerned is responsible to the Nigerian Government, and it is for them to decide what details are to be disclosed, and when. I could not commit my right hon. Friend to send an observer to the conference, as the hon. Gentleman suggests. I will certainly consider whether any information is forthcoming about the effect on East Africa as opposed to West Africa.