§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to investigate cancer rates at Burnham-on-Sea. [71553]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department is aware of the recent survey by green audit of cancer in Burnham-on Sea, however, it has not been provided with details of the results of the survey. Government are advised on cancer clusters near to nuclear installations by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) which was set up in 1985. This committee is carrying out a very large study of childhood cancer in Great Britain which includes all cases registered since the 1960's (some 33,000 cases). This study is expected to report in 2003 and will include areas around all nuclear installations in Great Britain including Burnham-on Sea. The Government are considering a feasibility study by the
364WThese priorities were underpinned by 32 actions, compared with 108 issued in the previous year.