§ 52. Mr. Brockwayasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science which Departments have co-operated in the construction of the first permanent radiation processing plant under private ownership, stationed on the Slough trading estate; what is the purpose of the plant; and which Department will be responsible for the presence of effective safety precautions.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe plant will be used to sterilise packaged surgical and pharmaceutical materials to an exceptionally high standard and will incorporate, under licence, patents and experience derived from the Atomic Energy Authority's pioneer work in their package irradiation plant at Wantage. The Factory and Radiochemical Inspectorates have been consulted about the safety requirements of the plant, which, when in operation will be governed by the Ionising Radiations (Sealed Sources) Regulations made recently by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. My noble Friend is satisfied that conformity with the Regulations and precautions will fully safeguard the public.