§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to inform the public of the dangers arising from radon gas concentrations in dwellings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 29 March 1993]: In March 1991 the Government launched a publicity campaign in Cornwall and Devon, the counties where the greatest numbers of homes above the action level of 200 Bq m -3 are found, to inform householders of the potential health risk posed by radon. This campaign was extended to Northamptonshire and Derbyshire in October 1992. The leaflet "Radon in Houses" explains what radon is, provides information on assistance available and offers a free measurement service to householders. It was delivered to all homes in the affected areas of these counties, and to other appropriate outlets—libraries, citizens advice bureaux etc. Public service announcements were made available to local radio. As a result, radon concentrations 521W in some 100,000 homes have already been measured and 11,000 householders, whose homes have radon levels above the action level, have been advised on the further action which should be considered.