HC Deb 23 November 1960 vol 630 cc1130-1
40. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made following the publication last January of the second preliminary draft of the Factories (Ionising Radiations) Special Regulations; when he expects to lay these Regulations before Parliament in their final form; and when he expects to issue Regulations dealing with unsealed sources of radiation.

Mr. Hare

I hope to publish early next year the statutory draft of the Factories (Ionising Radiations) Special Regulations dealing with sealed sources of ionising radiations and a preliminary draft of Regulations dealing with open sources. Unless any general objection is received, I shall make the Regulations dealing with sealed sources and lay them before Parliament after the completion of the period allowed for consideration of the statutory draft.

Mr. Prentice

While acknowledging what the Minister has said about the Regulations concerning sealed sources, may I ask him to do all he can to expedite Regulations relating to unsealed sources? The matter has been hanging fire for some years. In view of the I.L.O. Convention, should we not have on the Statute Book as soon as possible a code of safety for people exposed to these risks?

Mr. Hare

It would probably be better to publish both drafts together. This is a complicated matter, and we have had many consultations and comments. I hope to be in a position to have the Draft Regulations available for consideration in early March.

Mr. Marsh

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate extending the scope of the Regulations to cover medical and educational institutions?

Mr. Hare

I should like to consider what the hon. Gentleman has suggested.