§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library details of the following: (a) how many live lambs have been tested in Wales since I May for an excess of radiation, (b) by parishes, where the tests were performed and (c) the results of such testing; if he will introduce a system of continuing local monitoring of radiation levels in sheep in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsAll the results of tests on lambs are being placed in the Library of the House. I regret the information is not readily available according to parish boundaries. The monitoring of radio caesium levels in lambs is continuing.
Tests have now identified further areas where restrictions on the movement and slaughter of sheep can be lifted. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have therefore today laid a new order under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, to come into effect at midnight, to release areas in Gwynedd, Clwyd and Powys.
A map which shows the areas to be released in more detail and the results of tests up to 21 July are being published today and a copy is being placed in the Library of the House.