§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to reduce levels of exposure to radiation at nuclear plants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsThe current dose limits are set out in schedule 1 to the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 (IRR 85). The regulations comply with an EC directive (80/836 Euratom, as amended by 84/467) which in turn reflects advice from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The ICRP is now reviewing its advice. The Health and Safety Commission's working group on ionising radiations will consider the revised ICRP recommendations, when finalised, and make any necessary proposals for further action.
Proposals for interim action pending the receipt of the revised ICRP recommendations were set out in an HSC consultative document earlier this year. The response is being considered with a view to issuing an additional part to the existing approved code of practice to IRR 85.