§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken to initiate discussion for a community programme of radiation protection research.
§ Mr. BennThe European Atomic Energy Community has been carrying out an indirect research programme on biology and health protection since 1960. The United Kingdom joined in the current five-year extension of this programme—1971–75—when we acceded to the Communities. The Commission's proposals for a further five-year extension of the programme—1976–80—are at present under discussion in working groups of the Council. The main objectives of the proposed research programme are study and evaluation of risks associated with ionizing radiation. A copy of the Commission's proposals, under cover of R/2083/75 of 1st August 1975, has been placed in the Library.