§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the terms of reference of the joint committee set up between his Department and the Irish Government to study the effects of radioactive pollution from Sellafield in the Irish Sea; and if he will give the names of the members of the committee, the dates on which it has met and any conclusions that have so far emerged from its work.
§ Mr. WaldegraveAs I announced on 24 May 1984, at columns462–63, in answer to the hon. Member for Foyle (Mr. Hume), officials of the United Kingdom and of the Irish Republic meet regularly under the auspices of a contact group to exchange information on matters of mutual interest concerned with radioactivity of the environment. Since 1984 the group has met five times. The personnel involved at any time are selected for their knowledge and expertise in relation to the specific issues under consideration. The group does not undertake or commission studies, but on marine science more generally officials of both Governments take part in bilateral and international discussions from time to time.