§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met representatives from the Institution of Environmental Health Officers to discuss levels of radon gas in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettUntil the results of the National Radiological Protection Board survey are available such a meeting would be premature. To date the Welsh Office-commissioned survey and that carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board have not revealed any towns or villages in which there may be significant effect on housing arising from radon.
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§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated number of homes in Wales with a radon gas level of 200 bq/m3 or over.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIt is not possible to estimate the number of homes in Wales with radon levels above 200 bq/m3 until the full results of the National Radiological Protection Board survey are known.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales which areas of Wales are covered by the free on demand measurement service for householders in areas with high radon levels; how many applications have been forthcoming under the scheme; and what are the main findings of the research undertaken.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettAny householder in Wales concerned about radon can ask for a free measurement. To date, 195 surveys have been requested. The results of the National Radiological Protection Board survey are not yet available.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to ensure that all new houses built in Wales incorporate(a) a radon-proof polythene membrane and (b) radon sump and extract pump or ventilated subfloor void.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettI will consider what measures, if any, may be needed when the full results of the National Radiological Protection Board survey become available.