HC Deb 12 January 1989 vol 144 cc717-8W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has regarding uranium carried on board the Pan American aircraft which crashed at Lockerbie; whether any has been traced to any water supply; what action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The Pan American aircraft which crashed at Lockerbie was carrying a quantity of depleted uranium as counterweights in the tailplane structure. These counterweights, each weighing around 1 kg, are not a radiological or toxic hazard, and most have already been recovered. The material recovered so far is not a public health hazard.

None of the depleted uranium has been traced to a water supply. The solubility of the metal in water is extremely low and does not threaten water supplies. However, as a precautionary measure, Dumfries and Galloway regional council took water samples at Winterhope reservoir and at Terrona springs near Langholm which have been analysed by the National Radiological Protection Board. The results obtained can be accounted for by natural backgroundf radioactivity and show that levels arc well within the World Health Organisation limits for drinking water and give no cause for concern.

My officials have been and remain in close contact with regional council staff throughout and following the incident.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider providing long-term financial assistance to Lockerbie to meet the cost of restoration and support; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for home affairs and the environment has told Dumfries and Galloway regional council and Annandale and Eskdale district council that the Government will respond most sympathetically to requests for special financial assistance towards additional costs incurred by them arising from the disaster and for any additional capital expenditure allocations which might be required for restoration work. In particular, he announced on 5 January an additional allocation to Annandale and Eskdale district council which will allow an immediate start on a £1 million programme of reinstatement and improvement of the whole of the council housing in Lockerbie affected by the air disaster. As further restoration requirements are identified, the Government will consider how they and their agencies can best support the local authorities concerned in this work.