§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of reports that: (i) in the vicinity of Aldermaston and Burghfield where nuclear bomb components are made, the cancer rate among under 25s is five times the average; (ii) in the vicinity of the US submarine base at Holy Loch, the cancer rate among under 25s is three times the Scottish average; (iii) in the vicinity of Rosyth where Polaris submarines are refitted, leukaemia in under 15s is three times the Scottish average; and (iv) there is an exceptionally high rate of cleft palate and hare lip among children of crewmen of the first Polaris submarine "Resolution"; and whether they will initiate public inquiries in any of these cases.
§ Lord TrefgarneThe Government are aware of the reports to which the noble Lord has referred and will consider any relevant information put to them relating to the incidence of cancer or hereditary conditions in the vicinity of defence nuclear facilities.