HC Deb 19 February 1987 vol 110 cc1051-2
9. Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the continued existence of sheep and lambs contaminated by radiation emanating from the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Radiocaesium levels in the majority of sheep within the restricted areas in Cumbria, Wales and Scotland are stable or declining slowly. Extensive live monitoring of sheep which have left the areas has demonstrated that levels fall rapidly when the sheep graze uncontaminated pasture. Some 42,000 of these sheep have been tested to date and fewer than 0.1 per cent. have failed.

Mr. Hamilton

How many farms and sheep are still in the controlled areas? How soon does the hon. Gentleman expect that the controls will be lifted? Does he recognise that some of those farmers are angry about the delay in receiving compensation payments and their inadequacy? Does the hon. Gentleman understand that this problem shows the great dangers that exist as a result of radiation and nuclear power?

Mr. Thompson

To answer the four questions as they were asked, there are 466 holdings, 315 in Wales, 150 in Cumbria and only one in Scotland. We have been and are monitoring blue-marked sheep in anticipation that, in the near future, we can make relaxations in the restrictions. I can well understand that farmers are anxious about the future and about the compensation. The compensation has been made in three tranches. We are still talking with farmers. At present we have compensated to the tune of £4 million. We are anxious to remove farmers' anxieties.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

The Minister referred to contaminated pastures. Does that mean that he accepts that there is contaminated silage? What monitoring is going on of the contaminated silage to ensure that it does not, at any stage, enter into the food chain?

Mr. Thompson

On the basis of testing and experimental work we can advise farmers that silage and hay can be safely fed to animals without special precautions. Foodstuffs derived from animals fed on silage and hay are being tested to ensure that the position remains satisfactory and that there is no danger whatsover to public health.

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