§ 36. Mrs. Anne Kerrasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the radioactive isotope which is missing from the firm of Kent Alloys, Strood, Rochester.
§ Mr. MacCollIn compliance with a condition of registration under the Radioactive Substances Act, 1960, the firm notified the Department on 20th April of the theft of a radioactive sealed source of cobalt 60. A detailed search of the premises, nearby children's playgrounds and refuse dumps was immediately made by staff from the Radiological Protection Service and the Department's deputy senior radiochemical inspector, but without success. The police are continuing their investigations with the help of the Radiological Protection Service. An earlier theft took place on 25th March.
§ Mrs. KerrWhile thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I stress the very real anxiety felt by the workers in the factory concerned, at Kent Alloys, Strood, Rochester, and felt also by parents living nearby, who are afraid that their children may pick up this object? May I also ask whether his Ministry will see to it that more stringent security measures are taken in the near future to avoid the repetition of such a theft?
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend fully understands the anxiety of my hon. Friend. This is a most disquieting happening but it appears to be a unique case. My right hon. Friend is keeping the matter under review and asking for reports from the police and other authorities, to see whether anything more can be done to improve security arrangements.