§ Sir B. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that at a Kent school a jar of uranium nitrate which is a radioactive-type 110W substance was spilled on a classroom floor during a science lesson; whether his regulations allow this substance to be used in all schools throughout the country; and what action is taken to prevent accidents of this kind in view of possible danger of contamination.
§ Miss BaconI am aware of this incident, in which a substance of very low radioactivity was spilled. Under the Regulations controlling the use of radioactive substances in schools, uranium nitrate is not one of the substances for whose use my approval is required. Local education authorities are, however, advised that the normal precautions for the use of toxic or irritant chemicals should be taken for pupils using chemically prepared uranium or thorium compounds. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Regulations and Administrative Memorandum No. 1/65 which gives detailed guidance on these matters.