§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what quantity of radioactive isotopes have been used in the treatment of cancer by the NHS in each year since 1992; [39902]
(2) if he will estimate how long, at current usage rates the stocks of radioactive isotopes for the treatment of cancer in the NHS will last. [39903]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Department does not have central records of the amounts of radio isotopes used for medical purposes. The Radioactive Substances Act (1993) requires users to register with the Environment Agency (or Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and to obtain a certificate of authorisation for accumulation and/or disposal of radioactive waste. There are nine pharmaceutical companies who hold current United Kingdom marketing authorisations for some 90 radiopharmaceutical products. The UK Atomic Energy Authority has confirmed that sources of high enriched uranium (HEU) in western Europe are almost exhausted. HEU is required to manufacture some medical radioisotopes