§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the outcome of the studies into the possibility of decontaminating Gruinard Island; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeIn the last few years the Ministry of Defence has been investigating the possibility of developing a technique for decontaminating Gruinard Island. which is situated off the north-west coast of Scotland, and which was contaminated with anthrax in field trials in 1942 and 1943. The island has remained closed to the public since that time.
A technique has now been devised which involves treating the infected area with a solution of formaldehyde in seawater. This method has been scrutinised by an independent advisory group of eminent specialists and has been confirmed to be satisfactory. We have therefore decided that work aimed at decontamination should proceed forthwith and a contractor has been selected for the task. It is hoped that work will begin early this summer.
The success of the operation will be assessed by the Ministry of Defence, with further advice from the independent advisory group, before any decision is taken about returning the island to civil ownership.