HL Deb 04 June 1991 vol 529 cc40-2WA
Lord Norrie

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has been the outcome of the recent publicity campaign in Cornwall and Devon relating to radon in homes.

Baroness Blatch:

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment launched a publicity campaign on 11 th March to encourage householders in Cornwall and Devon to take advantage of the government-funded free radon measurement service, which is available on request to householders throughout the two counties. My department has produced a leaflet, Radon in Houses, which has been distributed to all households in Cornwall and Devon.

Seven hundred and fifty thousands copies of the leaflet have been sent out. The house-to-house leaflet drop was backed up by a widespread poster campaign. Posters have been displayed in libraries, Citizens' Advice Bureaux, DIY shops, estate agents, etc., and additional leaflets were made available through these outlets. A hundred and sixty copies of a Braille version of the leaflet were sent out through the Blind Welfare Officers of the two counties. A public service announcement was recorded for use by local radio stations.

We are pleased to be able to tell you that the campaign has been a resounding success. The leaflet has a tear-off slip to enable householders to apply to the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) for a radon measurement. NRPB carries out radon measurements for the Government. Up to the present, over 72,000 requests have been received from householders by the board. All those applying will receive a response within four weeks, and the radon detectors themselves within two months. Over 50,000 measurements are already in progress.

Cornwall and Devon make up the only area of the country which has formally been designated by the NRPB as a radon affected area. About 12 per cent. of homes in the region may have radon concentrations exceeding the level at which householders are advised to take action to reduce it; this is a much larger proportion than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of contracting lung cancer.

If the results show that the government's action level is exceeded, householders are advised to undertake the necessary remedial measures, which can usually be carried out effectively for relatively modest cost. Advice on remedies is given in the department's free leaflet, The Householders' Guide to Radon, a copy of which is always provided with the radon survey result. Local authorities may give discretionary house renovation grants for radon remedial works, subject to a test of resources.

We most sincerely urge all householders in Cornwall and Devon to accept the advice to have their houses measured for radon.