§ Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if, pursuant to his reply of 31 March, why there is a wide disparity between the radon exposure levels of the National Radiological Protection Board and those of the Euratom directive on radiological protection; and whether, on present readings, there is any likelihood of danger to miners working at South Crofty tin mine, Cornwall;
(2) if he is satisfied that, subject to improved ventilation, no danger from radon gas exists to men employed underground at South Crofty tin mine, Cornwall.
§ Mr. MayhewI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is considered the safety level for the concentration of radium emanation; and on how many occasions this level has been exceeded in the South Crofty tin mine.
§ Mr. Mayhew[pursuant to his reply, 1 April 1980]:The Euratom directive on radiological protection at present recommends an upper exposure level equivalent to 40 WLM—working level months—per year, but this is being reviewed. The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) advises an upper exposure level of 4 WLM per year.
It is not known how many times the level advised by the NRPB has been exceeded but a recent survey showed that about one-third of the measurements taken gave indications of levels which, if maintained throughout the year, would exceed the advised level.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many workers were found to be suffering from cancer who worked at the South Crofty tin mine in 1979 and for each of the preceding three years; and how many cases have been reported in the current year.
§ Mr. Mayhew[pursuant to his reply, 1 April 1980]: I regret that the information requested by the hon. Member is not available.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that conditions at South Crofty tin mine 424W are safe to work in; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mayhew[pursuant to his reply, 1 April 1980]: All employment in mines is hazardous to some degree. Absolute safety cannot be guaranteed but, as regards radiological hazards, it is the view of the Health and Safety Executive that provided the maximum exposure level advised by the National Radiological Protection Board is not exceeded the employer will comply with his duty under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, to ensure a working environment that, so far as is reasonably practicable, is safe and without risks to health. The executive is satisfied that the employer is making a substantial and continuing effort to improve working conditions so as to meet this requirement, and it wil keep progress under review.