§ Mr. Moneyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement regarding a dangerous isotope lost from a Dutch oil rig last December and said to be drifting off the East Anglian coast; and what steps are being taken to obviate the radioactive risks involved.
§ Mr. OnslowI have been asked to reply.
I understand that a radioactive isotope probe was lost overboard on 6th December 1972 from an oil rig some 55 km. north-west of Vlieland off the Dutch coast, 53°29´N, 04°15´E. The isotope is well shielded and securely packed in a strong transport container, a yellow-coloured, cylindrical, metal canister measuring about 40 by 50 centimetres, which is safe to handle provided it is recovered intact and is not tampered with.
The Dutch authorities are trying to retrieve the canister and the indications are that it is probably on the sea-bed close to the point where it was lost.
Warnings are being broadcast to shipping generally from Humber Radio. The Department's radiological adviser is maintaining contact with the Dutch authorities to determine whether any other measures might need to be taken.