§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if X-ray equipment in private practices is included in the compulsory testing of such equipment for safety by the National Radiological Protection Board.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere are no statutory requirements for the testing of X-ray equipment for safety, either in private practices or the National Health Service.
There is a well established voluntary code of practice for the protection of persons against ionizing radiations arising from medical and dental use, the latest version of which was published by our Department in 1972. This applies equally to private practice and the NHS.
Any surveys of X-ray equipment done by the National Radiological Protection Board on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.