§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will evaluate the research by Dr. Chris Binky on the possible links between childhood leukaemia and adult cases to proximity to Oldbury nuclear power station. [160283]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 8 May 2001]: The independent Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE), which advises Government on such matters had already recommended an investigation of the geographical distribution of childhood cancer and leukaemia in Great Britain and how the pattern of cases around nuclear installations compares with the national pattern. This study is nearing completion and my Department has asked COMARE to advise on which, if any, nuclear installations have incidences of childhood cancer and leukaemia in their vicinity which are statistically outside the distribution seen nationally. COMARE are hoping to report this year. In addition the health authority will examine any research sent to them around the Oldbury nuclear power station.