§ Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Technology (1) whether he is satisfied that advanced gas-cooled nuclear power stations do not cause any measurable health hazards for neighbouring districts; and if he will make a statement;
265W(2) whether he will investigate the risk of radioactive iodine pollution in the vicinity of nuclear power stations; and what arrangements he has made to evacuate threatened populations in good time.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe operation of nuclear power stations is, and will, continue to be strictly controlled so as to ensure that in normal working they do not cause any measurable health hazard or significant effect on the environment. As a precaution against the very unlikely event of an accidental release of radioactivity, every station has an emergency plan, approved by my right hon. Friend, for safeguarding the nearby population. This plan includes arrangements for monitoring discharges and for timely evacuation should that be necessary.