HC Deb 29 March 1984 vol 57 cc271-2W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department has been informed of any leakage of radioactive material into Holy Loch from USS Hanley on 27 February.

Mr. John MacKay

I am informed that that was no leakage of radioactive material into the Holy Loch from USS Hanley on 27 February.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what readings have been taken by, or on behalf of, his Department of the level of radioactivity in Holy Loch; and if he will publish all available data.

Mr. John MacKay

Radiation levels in the Holy Loch are monitored every six months by the fisheries radiobiological section of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The results are published annually by the Ministry's Directorate of Fisheries Research in its aquatic environmental monitoring report, copies of which are in the House of Commons Library.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans his Department has for the safe evacuation of residents in the area of Holy Loch in the event of any potentially hazardous leakages of radioactive material from the United States naval installation.

Mr. Ancram

It is for the local authorities to undertake detailed planning to deal with the effects of accidents, natural disasters or civil emergencies on the people in their areas. General guidance on the matters to be covered in such plans was given in Circular ES(Scotland) 7/1976, a copy of which is in the Library.

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