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§ Mr. Frank Cook (Stockton, North)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the current availability of information, hitherto unpublished, which indicates high levels of radiation in grass, vegetables, animals and milk in areas of the country other than those in which animal movements and slaughter have recently been restricted.My time is short so I shall be brief. The subject is complex, but I shall try to be clear and to the point. The statistics displayed in this copious report of 50 closely typed pages are almost guaranteed to create anxiety, but I seek merely to alert, rather than to alarm, the House generally and the country at large.The matter is specific because it relates to the publication by the Welsh Office of statistics relating to grass, cauliflower, cabbage and other vegetables and to yogurt, milk and meat from cows, sheep and goats which display levels of radiation in some areas of England that are far higher than the radiation levels displayed in similar commodities during the same period in Scotland, Wales and Cumbria where controls have been imposed on slaughter and movement of animals.
The matter is important because these statistics display a situation—admittedly over a limited period—which must be improved. Although the sampling was random, indications in sheeps' milk should have provoked a much more searching investigation over that time.
The matter is urgent because the statistics clearly display our lack of readiness for events caused by Chernobyl and its aftermath and show the need for a much more careful programme of preparation for the public.
We readily prepare for death and sickness in war. Surely, for pity's sake, we should be allowed the opportunity to discuss the preparations for life and health during peace.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the current availability of information, hitherto unpublished, which indicates high levels of radiation in grass, vegetables, animals and milk in areas of the country other than those in which animal movements and slaughter have recently been restricted.Again, I have to give the hon. Member the same answer as I have given to other hon. Members. I regret that I do not consider the matter that he has raised as appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10, and I cannot submit his application to the House.