HC Deb 04 March 1958 vol 583 cc118-9W
85. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that a number of research institutes and industrial establishments in the Thames Valley use radio isotopes; and what precautions are taken to avoid a dangerous load of contamination coming from disposal of contaminated material in the river.

Mr. Bevins

Discharges from the Atomic Energy establishments at Harwell, Aldermaston and Amersham are restricted by authorisations to a level at which a lifetime consumption of drinking water would not exceed the permissible limits recommended by the Medical Research Council. Other discharges are relatively small, but they are subject to control under the Public Health Acts and the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act, 1951. The authorities administering these Acts locally have access to expert advice from my Department. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these precautions are adequate.