45. Mr. Butlerasked the Minister of Health if he will consult the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs with a view to ensuring that information regarding the existence of radioactive materials and any local radiation hazards should automatically be communicated to county medical officers of health and to county district medical officers of health as soon as it becomes available.
§ Mr. PowellI understand that this point will be fully met when the Radioactive Substances Act is brought into operation, and that in the meantime medical officers of health are being kept informed in all cases where there might be a hazard.
Mrs. ButlerBut is not the Minister aware that medical officers of health are very disturbed about the present position, and that they are complaining that they do not get information as they should, and that their only alternative will be to set up their own monitoring system, which will be extremely expensive and an unnecessary duplication, unless better means can be found of letting them have the information?
§ Mr. PowellIf there is any particular case which has given rise to the Question, perhaps the hon. Lady will let me know.
§ Dr. StrossCould the Minister say whether the draft regulations include full 899 information of this type wherever the material is and whenever it is in transit?
§ Mr. PowellThat is the general object.