HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc169-70W
54. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he will issue a White Paper giving the fullest authoritative information available on the effects of radiation on the human race, the extent of medical research in all its aspects on this question now in progress, and the details of the advice given by Government advisers to Departments connected with work on atomic power so far as harmful effects are concerned and the action taken by the Departments.

Mr. Bevins

As my hon. Friend will know, the Medical Research Council is already engaged on the preparation of a report on the medical aspects of nuclear radiation, for publication as a White Paper. The report will review the existing scientific information on the effects of nuclear radiation on human beings and will set out the most up-to-date research results available.

The annual report of the Medical Research Council contains an extensive account of the research in progress and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

As regards the last part of the Question, the Factory Department of the Ministry of Labour and National Service has issued a booklet entitled "Precautions in the use of ionising radiations in industry," of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health hopes to issue in a few months' time a code of practice for the protection of hospital workers.

55. Mr. Mason

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, which areas of the country the Medical Research Council have in mind for making a study on populations who are subject to varying degrees of natural radioactivity.

Mr. Bevins

I am informed by the Medical Research Council that discussions on a possible study of populations subject to varying degrees of natural radioactivity are still at an early stage. The Council are therefore not yet in a position to say which areas of the country might be selected.