HC Deb 06 May 1986 vol 97 c36 4.26 pm
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 non-existence of the Government's contingency plans for the protection of those at risk following nuclear accidents and the lack of information available to the public. This matter is specific because it relates to widespread confusion, anxiety and justifiable resentment resulting from everyone's inability to obtain information, counsel or guidance on precautions to be adopted in the current situation. That is particularly so on the part of those engaged in farming in a "grass only" discipline who had already turned out their herds to graze this year.

This matter is important because that inability highlights the ill-prepared nature of the Government's readiness. That is typified by the response I received when I tried to ask the Secretary of State to list the locations where people could have free access to emergency plans and procedures for them to prepare against such radioactive fallout. I was told that one cannot ask a question about something that does not exist. When I went further and asked why no plans existed, I was again told one cannot ask about something that does not exist. One is not to know that does not exist until one finds out.

This matter is urgent because the level of incidence of elements such as tellurium—132, and iodine—131 occurring in such quantities, and the nature of those elements being short-lived but doubly dangerous, means that decisive action is required to prevent the inclusion of affected milk supplies in infant formula milk and school quotas. Perhaps we should finally find a use for the food mountains of Europe.

Is it not ironic that we should criticise the Russians, quite properly, for their inability to provide information about British subjects being exposed to radiation, yet the Department of Health and Social Security refuses access, as it did to me last Friday, to information relating to British subjects consuming the same stuff. I urge you, Mr. Speaker, and the House to agree to adjourn the business of the House to enable a debate to take place on those most urgent and other related matters.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the non-existence of the Government's contingency plans for the protection of those at risk following nuclear accidents and the lack of information available to the public. I have listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said—as, indeed, I listened carefully to the exchanges earlier this afternoon. I regret that I do not consider the matter that the hon. Gentleman has raised to be appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10, and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.