§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many beaches are regularly monitored for radioactivity in the North West Region. [144943]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Environment Agency monitors more than 70 publicly accessible sites along the North West Coast including beaches, mud flats, salt marshes and harbours. The results of this monitoring are published annually in the Agency's report "Radioactivity in the Environment". The latest report covering 1999 results will be published at the end of January. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House. The Agency requires nuclear site operators to undertake monitoring of the environment in the vicinity of their site. Monitoring is also undertaken by the Food Standards Agency and some local authorities.