HC Deb 25 February 1963 vol 672 cc890-1
28. Mrs. Hart

asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to ensure that aero-engines sent to factories for repair are first freed of all radioactive contamination.

Mr. Marten

Radioactive contamination occurs only in a small proportion of the aero-engines in use and the level encountered is low. These engines are cleaned externally before they are sent to factories, but internal cleaning can be carried out only when the engines are stripped at the factories. This is done under the proper safeguards.

Mrs. Hart

While we appreciate that the levels of cantamination may be low, is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are nevertheless dangers from ingestion and inhalation of dust? Is he further aware that it is much more difficult for the Factory Inspectorate—who are, after all, not trained as physicists—to establish the correct conditions inside factories? Would it not be better to take the precautions at the aerodrome end? Would he consider initiating a meeting between the Radiological Protection Service, the Factory Inspectorate and the Minister's officials and the trade unions involved with the object of studying this matter?

Mr. Marten

I think that all these points are taken into consideration in dealing with these engines. It is essential to recognise, as I think the hon. Lady does, the level of radioactivity about which we are speaking. It is, in fact, extremely small. The worst part of the engine would not contain a greater amount than that of the average luminous wrist-watch.

Mr. Lee

Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that, while in general it is low, there are high points which might be dangerous? Did not his right hon. Friend some time ago inform me that inquiries or investigations were going on into radioactivity levels in aircraft engines? How far have those inquiries gone?

Mr. Marten

The matter is under constant review. The top level of radiation of a luminous wrist-watch is 1,000 counts per second, with an average of perhaps two hundred counts per second. The worst part of an engine might have only 600 counts per second—although a luminous alarm clock would, of course, have a greater amount of radiation than that.

Mrs. Hart

One does not swallow or inhale a luminous wrist-watch.

Mr. Marten

But the effect of radiation is nevertheless there.