§ Mr. Robert Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if his attention has been drawn to a report of the United States Atomic Energy Commission regarding the new dangers and hazards arising from the production, handling and storage of plutonium 239; and if he will undertake an investigation of the possible hazards of lung cancer to workers, scientists and the community based on the new information made available in this report.
§ Mr. EadieI am not aware of any recent report of the United States72W Atomic Energy Commission which deals with new dangers and hazards from plutonium 239. My hon. Friend may, however, be referring to the petition made to the USAEC by a private group called the Natural Resources Defense Council. The potential hazards from plutonium as with other radioactive materials are subject to continuing research and investigation by national and international organisations. The results of this research and other experience are kept under review by those bodies responsible for advising on standards in radiological protection, such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection and, in this country, the Medical Research Council and the National Radiological Protection Board. It is my understanding that the report made by the Natural Resources Defense Council does not contain any new information, but it is being studied.