HC Deb 05 February 1979 vol 962 cc17-8
15. Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with arrangements for industrial sponsorship of research at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell.

Mr. Eadie

The day-to-day management of this research is primarily a matter for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, but my understanding is that it is conducted on a sound basis and that Harwell has a reputation for the quality of its work.

Mr. Rooker

Is my hon. Friend aware that the latest report from the environmental and medical science division at Harwell on lead pollution concerns research at the London Westway wholly funded, 100 per cent., by Octel Limited, and that no mention of that is made on the face of the report? The report is now being used to intimidate three London parents to stop a court action against Octel Limited. Will my hon. Friend give instructions to Harwell that all reports that are funded by industry should clearly state that that is the case, so that people do not gain a false impression that it is public money that has gone into the production of such reports, which are then used for these very dubious purposes?

Mr. Eadie

On the latter point, any work done by the AEA is not paid for out of the nuclear Vote. The Authority is self-financing and its full costs, includ- ing overheads, are borne by the bodies which sponsor it. The reason why they ask Harwell to do such things is the high reputation and integrity that Harwell has in dealing with these reports.

I have no information of the details mentioned by my hon. Friend in regard to the families. With regard to the two reports, it is the intention to publish one, and the other will be available shortly from Harwell. A copy will be laid in the Library of the House.