§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals or representations he has received regarding a programme of systematic whole body monitoring of people in the areas affected by Chernobyl fallout to replace the voluntary programme presently undertaken by the Scottish universities research and reactor centre at East Kilbride; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1987, c. 774]: The whole body monitoring being undertaken by the Scottish universities research and reactor centre is part of a national programme funded by the Government. Many Scots, including those from areas particularly affected by the Chernobyl fallout, have been monitored, and I understand that the current programme at the centre is likely to be continued to provide further information on the decreasing caesium levels in the body. However, the results of monitoring to date, together with evidence from the very substantial monitoring of foodstuffs and other materials, does not suggest a need for an extended programme of wholebody monitoring in Scotland.