Radiation Pollution

HC Deb 23 January 1980 vol 977 cc228-30W

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will quantify the present research programme into the effects of radiation on atmospheric and terrestrial environments, and in particular the future pollution of food and crops; and what plans he has to sustain and increase this research in proportion to the expansion of the reactor programme and to publish the results.

Mr. Wiggin

The total sum involved in the current financial year on the research programme into the effects of radiation on the atmospheric and terrestrial environment is estimated to be £650,000. Approximately one half of this research is relevant to the possible con-

(1,000 tonnes white value)
					Denmark	Germany	France (mainland)	France (overseas departments)	Ireland
A quota	…	…	…	…	318	1,956	2,468	419	164
B quota	…	…	…	…	79	486	617	0	10
Total A and B	…	…	…	397	2,443	3,085	419	174
					Italy	Netherlands	Belgium	United Kingdom	EEC Total
A quota	…	…	…	…	1,161	639	612	936	8,673
B quota	…	…	…	…	259	160	112	0	1,724
Total A and B	…	…	…	1,421	799	724	936	10,397
Note: In some cases figures do not add to the totals shown because of roundings.

Mr. Parry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will meet representatives of the port sugar refining industry in Liverpool.

Mr. Peter Walker

Representatives from Liverpool were included in the delegation from the British port refineries trade union committee which my hon. Friend the Minister of State met on 15 January. I have had a number of meetings with the chairman of Tate and Lyle Ltd., which owns the Liverpool refinery.

Mr. Parry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any plans to meet trade union representatives in the port refineries sugar cane industry.

Mr. Peter

Walker: My hon. Friend the Minister of State met the British port tamination of terrestrial food produce and includes investigations into the implications of the present and future reactor programmes. The research programmes, which involve several organisations, are constantly reviewed and the results are made available to the public through a variety of publications.