HC Deb 08 March 1978 vol 945 cc670-1W
Mr. Emery

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will list in each of the last 15 years within the nuclear power industry, the number of (a) fatal accidents caused by radiation and the number of individuals involved, (b) serious accidents caused by radiation and the number of individuals involved and (c) non-serious accidents caused by radiation and the number of individuals involved.

Mr. John Grant

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10th February 1978.

Mr. Emery

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will list for 1965, 1970, 1973 and the latest available date, within the nuclear power industry. the figure of accidents for fatal, serious and non-serious accidents caused by radiation as a percentage of the number of individuals employed and the comparison of the accident rates with workers in the coal industry and agricultural workers.

Mr. John Grant

I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the relevant information in the form available and in terms of numbers of persons involved is as follows:

tal radiation exposures in the nuclear power industry exceeding prescribed limits. The data cover relevant employees of the UKAEA, the Central Electricity Generating Board, the South of Scotland Electricity Board and British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.

Fatal and serious accidents in coal mining are reportable under the Mines and Quarries Act. Non-reportable accidents are taken from information supplied to the executive by the National Coal Board, and they involve absences from work of more than three days.

Fatal accidents in agriculture are reportable under the Agriculture (Safety, Health and Welfare Provisions) Act. "Other" accidents are notified to the executive by the Department of Health and Social Security and are based on notifications of absences of more than three days under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act.