§ 78. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what is the latest report he has received from his scientific and medical experts on nuclear fall-out about increased radioactivity following the last Russian tests.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethI would refer the hon. Member to the latest Report of the Agricultural Research Council Radiobiological Laboratory about radioactivity in milk, published on 7th February, 1962. Since the end of 1961, which was the end of the period covered by that Report, the levels of iodine 131 in milk have continued to decline in all regions and are now everywhere negligible. The highest fall-out rate, from the Russian tests last autumn, of some of the longer-lived radioactive substances, such as strontium 90, is not expected until the late spring. In view of the complicated technical procedures involved in the monitoring of this isotope, it will be some time before results are available and can be assessed.
Reports will continue to be published regularly, as new information becomes available. My noble Friend is advised that there is nothing to indicate any change in the general assessment of the situation which was given to the House on 23rd November, 1961.