HC Deb 07 November 1986 vol 103 cc639-40W
Mr. Alex Carlile

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement as to the effectiveness of part I of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and any circulars issued pursuant to it in dealing with the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster; if he proposes to introduce any amending legislation in the light of experience of those consequences; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he proposes to introduce standard training exercises in order to seek to ensure that the provisions of part I of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 are understood fully by the local authorities concerned in their implementation, and that the place of those provisions in the wider context of emergency procedures is also understood; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he is satisfied with the qualifications and training of investigating officers designated under part I of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I am satisfied that the emergency measures implemented by this Department in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident worked well. We are participating in a full review of all aspects of the Government's arrangements and will be examining any specific aspects such as the involvement of local authorities as part of that review. Any changes in present emergency arrangements will be notified to those required to implement them.