HC Deb 06 March 1961 vol 636 cc28-9
24. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made with hospitals for the specialised treatment of radiation cases in the neighbourhood of atomic power stations when emergencies occur, in view of previous accidents at Windscale and Aldermaston.

Mr. Powell

Arrangements have been made for the nearest suitably-equipped hospital to provide medical care for radiation cases, where this is necessary to supplement the specialised facilities at the station itself. I am informed that the Aldermaston accident did not involve radioactivity, and that in the Windscale accident the question of specialised treatment did not arise.

Mr. Brockway

Is not the Minister being a little too complacent in this matter? Is he aware that when a nuclear research station in the neighbourhood of London approached a hospital for these facilities there were no special facilities and no special preparations, although I am sure that the hospital would do its utmost? Is it not possible to have one hospital in London which would serve all the nuclear stations around London, and similar hospitals in the neighbourhood of all nuclear stations?

Mr. Powell

The Question refers to atomic power stations, but I will look at the case the hon. Gentleman mentions.