HC Deb 26 June 1986 vol 100 cc305-6W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the monitoring of radiation undertaken on behalf of his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

There is a well-established programme of monitoring carried out on behalf of my Department. Nuclear site operators, as part of their authorisations, carry out discharge and environmental monitoring. Her Majesty's radiochemical inspectorate carries out check monitoring of these sites as well as an extensive monitoring programme for raw drinking water supplies. The AERE and the National Radiological Protection Board maintain a network of monitoring stations under their environmental programmes. These programmes are being kept under review.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what agencies have conducted radioactive monitoring on behalf of his Department in each year since it assumed responsibility for this function.

Mr. Waldegrave

Her Majesty's radiochemical inspectorate, AERE Harwell, the National Radiological Protection Board, the CEGB power stations and Amersham International have carried out environmental radioactive monitoring on behalf of my Department. MAFF are also responsible for a separate monitoring programme of foodstuffs such as milk, vegetables, meat and fish.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish details of all measurements of radiation taken on behalf of his Department since 2 May, giving details of the materials sampled, the location and timing of each sample, and the results of each monitoring.

Mr. Waldegrave

Arrangements to publish all the monitoring information provided to the National Radiological Protection Board following the Chernobyl accident and up to the end of May are being made. Copies will he placed in the Library of the House.

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