§ Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Works, as representing the Lord President of the 148W Council, to what extent the Food Investigation Organisation of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research have been concerned with irradiated foods such as meat and fish; what research is being conducted into the effects of irradiated foods consumed by human beings; and with what results.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe laboratories of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research concerned with food (the Torry Research Station, the Low Temperature Research Station and the Ditton Laboratory) have examined the effect of irradiation on the keeping qualities, flavour, appearance and texture of fish, meats (especially chicken) and potatoes. I understand that the Atomic Energy Authority is observing the long-term effects of feeding animals with foodstuffs preserved in this manner; so far no harmful effects have been noted.