§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the validation of the cases of leukaemia in 0–24 year olds occurring in Scotland between 1968 and 1981 is now complete; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Rifkind[pursuant to his reply, 15 April 1986, c. 322–4]: Results are now available of a preliminary study by the Information Services Division of the Common Services Agency into the incidence of leukaemia in Scotland in the 0–24 year age group. This study has been prepared for the public local Inquiry at Dounreay, and is to be made available by the reporter to all the parties to the inquiry. I have arranged for copies to be placed today in the Library of the House.
The report suggests that leukaemia in 0–24 year olds shows no tendency to cluster, other than by chance. However, it identifies three postcode sectors where the incidence of leukaemia is considerably higher than expected—West Thurso, West Central Edinburgh, and South-West Perth and Dunning. It acknowledges that in all three sectors this could have been a chance occurrence. However, because of the existence of a prior hypothesis which links the incidence of leukaemia with proximity to nuclear establishments, and the occurrence of five cases in the west Thurso postcode sector, which includes Dounreay, between 1979 and 1983, the report recommends that case control studies of areas near nuclear power stations be undertaken. I would stress that the two other areas identified in one of the three time hands studied have no links with nuclear establishments. This is furthermore a preliminary study. A fuller report is being prepared. It will be published and made available to the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment, which will be asked to advise on the case for and form of further studies.