§ 56. Mr. Beswickasked the Prime Minister to what extent it is calculated that the average amount of radiation to which man is exposed from natural sources, from man-made radiations such 124W as X-rays, etc., and from fall-out from nuclear weapon tests, respectively, applies equally to each individual person; and if he will give figures indicating the reasonable range over which radiation from these three sources may vary in individual cases.
§ The Prime MinisterThe range over which radiation from natural sources and from fall-out from nuclear weapon tests may vary in individual cases in the United Kingdom is of a small order. On the other hand, the doses of radiation from medical diagnostic and therapeutic X-rays given to individuals vary through a range many hundreds of times greater according to individual circumstances.
§ 59. Mr. Grimondasked the Prime Minister what is the change in the rate of increase, as against the actual increase, in radiation over the last two years.
§ The Prime MinisterExcept over a period of many months it is difficult to estimate precisely either the actual change in total radiation experienced by the population or the rate of change. Radiation from natural sources has no doubt been constant. That from medical and other similar uses may even have fallen. That from nuclear tests has doubled. Again, to get the picture of the relative causes of radiation into perspective, I would remind the House that, as regards the genetic dangers, the ratios are still of the order of 100, 22 and between 1 and 2, respectively.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a large increase in caesium 137 has been reported by scientists in dried milk from all areas in Great Britain in June, 1958, associated with larger fall-out; and if he will bring his report up to date.
§ The Prime MinisterParagraph 15 of my statement of 28th April referred to caesium 137. I am aware that its deposition has increased. I will advise the House further as and when more scientific data become available.