§ Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Soviet authorities for permission for an international inspection team of scientists to visit the site of the nuclear power plant disaster in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonWe have already informed the Soviet authorities that if they require advice on the accident and its consequences United Kingdom experts are ready to provide it.
The setting up of any international team of scientists would most appropriately be a task for the International Atomic Energy Agency. We understand that the Director-General has already offered the agency's assistance. United Kingdom experts could make a useful contributions to such a group.