§ Mr. Wardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reports he has received concerning the presence of radon gas in homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 6 July 1983, c. 118]: I have seen a report by staff of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) which summarises current knowledge on radon gas and its decay products in houses, and which has been published today. The Royal Commission on environmental pollution is expected to include an evaluation of the significance of this factor in its next report, likely to be published by the end of the year. To obtain further information about the prevalence of the problem, NRPB are carrying out a survey and research on remedial measures which is part funded by the Building Research Establishment of DOE.
Radon occurs naturally and has always been present in homes. When adequate surveys of current levels are available, together with the results of research by BRE into the suitability of possible remedial measures, the Government will consider whether guidance is needed.