§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many members of the public were visiting Sellafield during the period of the recent radioactive leak; and whether they were examined to determine their contact with any radioactive material or informed of possible risks to their health or welfare.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 2 March 1993]: I have been asked to reply.
The actual number of visitors at Sellafield is a matter for British Nuclear Fuels plc as operators of the site. The higher than normal discharges of radioactivity during the week ending on 13 February resulted in doses through inhalation to the most exposed persons of about 1 microsievert. The dose to a member of the public visiting Sellafield at the time would have been less than this and less than the dose received from background radiation during a visit to Cornwall for a comparable period. The very low levels of radioactivity involved meant that no special arrangements were appropriate for visitors. Radiation alarms are in place at Sellafield and appropriate action would have been taken if necessary.