STRONTIUM 90

HC Deb 19 November 1958 vol 595 cc145-6W

45. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what tests have recently been carried out in Wales to ascertain the incidence of strontium 90; and what were the results.

The Paymaster-General

I have been asked to reply.

Samples are regularly taken, and analysed, of milk and other foodstuffs over the whole of the United Kingdom. In addition, analyses are made of soil, pasture, and animal bone in certain Special areas, including Wales. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister Stated last week, a report giving the results for 1957 is to be published shortly. I am advised that these give no cause for concern from the point of view of human or animal health.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Prime Minister what investigation has been undertaken by the Atomic Energy Research Establishment Or the Medical Research Council to inquire to what degree any significant difference has been found in the content of Strontium 90 in the bones Of children dying from leukemia or bone cancer compared with those dying from other causes in Great Britain; whether he will request such investigations if not already undertaken; and whether the results will be published.

The Prime Minister

In the course of a nation-wide survey of the strontium 90 content of human bone, a certain number of specimens of bones of children who died from leukemia have been examined. The results obtained from the survey so far have not demonstrated a difference between these bones and comparable specimens obtained from children dying from other causes. None of the bones examined has come from a case of bone cancer. Should any significant relationship be observed between the level of strontium 90 and the cause of death a special report would be published.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for a continuous widespread series of tests in the higher altitudes of the north-west Highlands and Islands of Scotland, in order to obtain full and accurate information about the presence of strontium 90.

The Prime Minister:

A comprehensive survey for the presence of strontium 90 in soil, milk, vegetation and human and animal bone covering areas representative of the whole of the British Isles is already being carried out. I am advised that there is no evidence that conditions in the Highlands and Islands differ from those in areas already covered.