HC Deb 30 November 1960 vol 631 cc381-2
27. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what are the duties of the Royal Navy's nuclear radiation monitoring team; how many men are in it; what is the estimated weekly cost; and why it is going to be stationed at Holy Loch.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The Royal Navy nuclear monitoring team consists of five men, costing £184 per week. It will be available in the vicinity of Holy Loch to measure the levels of radioactivity. This precaution is based on the measures which are taken at nuclear power stations and all other localities where there is nuclear material.

Mr. Hughes

Does not this mean that there is considered to be danger of radioactivity in the Holy Loch? Otherwise, why are these men being sent there at a cost of over £100 a week? Is it not because the Admiralty realises that there will be danger of radioactivity as a result of the American Polaris submarine going there?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I said in my first reply that this is very similar to the precautions taken at civilian power stations; there is no more danger. I think that this is a perfectly sensible safety precaution and I hope it will have the support of the hon. Member.

Mr. Rankin

Is the hon. Gentleman admitting that there will be the possibility of pollution of the waters in the Holy Loch? It is generally accepted that there will be. Therefore, how is it proposed to prevent the tide carrying that pollution into the estuary?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

That is a totally different question from the Question on the Order Paper and it raises a different issue. I must remind hon. Members that there is radioactivity in this House right now. There is a basic level. We must not get emotional about it. This is a thoroughly sensible precautionary measure.

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order. Owing to the unsatisfactory and ridiculous Answer to my Question, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again at the earliest opportunity.