Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has concerning the leak of toxic chemical gases from the GEC-Marconi research centre at Great Baddow, Essex, on 13 April; and if he will instruct Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to conduct an investigation into the incident.
§ Mr. NichollsI have been asked to reply.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive have investigated the circumstances of the fire which occurred on 13 April 1990 at the GEC-Marconi research centre at Great Baddow, Essex. The exact composition of the fumes released during the fire is unknown, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that despite media reports to the contrary no cyanide was involved.