HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 c437W
Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the nature of the waste discharged from Winfrith Atomic Energy Establishment into the sea at Arish Mell, Lulworth, Dorset; what is its recorded level of radioactivity; and if the level of radioactivity in the sea at this point represents a danger to persons who may bathe there.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Liquid wastes with a very low level of radioactivity are discharged from the Winfrith Atomic Energy Establishment through a pipeline two miles out to sea from Arish Mell. This waste is disposed of in accordance with an authorisation granted by Ministers under the provisions of the Radioactive Substances Act 1960. This requires that, irrespective of cost, the limits shall be assessed as being absolutely safe. The actual discharge over the past four years has averaged only 5 per cent. of the levels authorised. Regular monitoring is carried out to ensure that discharges cause no adverse effect.