Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to make a statement about (a) the implications of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster for the people of Northern Ireland, (b) precautions to be taken and (c) the existing monitoring systems in Ulster.
§ Mr. Tom KingRadiation levels, well below those which might give cause for concern, were detected in the eastern part of the Province on Saturday evening 3 May.246W The levels were only slightly above those found naturally in Northern Ireland as normal background radiation. The levels have been decreasing since that date and are well below recommended levels for precautionary action.
Press statements were issued by the Northern Ireland Office on Tuesday 6 May and Thursday 8 May giving details of radiation levels and telephone numbers for further public inquiries.
Monitoring of radiation levels in Northern Ireland is carried out regularly by a number of Government Departments. Milk and water supplies in the Province are being monitored and radiation measurements are being taken in the atmosphere. In addition, ships from the Baltic arriving in Northern Ireland are being checked for signs of radioactivity.