§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Yeovil on 16 February, Official Report, column 415, concerning free measurements of radon levels in houses, what areas of Somerset are considered areas where radon concentrations might be at or above the action level; what funds are available to cover the cost of any such free measurements in Somerset and elsewhere; what number of free measurements can be provided from the funds presently available; if any criteria other than geographical location will be used in deciding whether to provide a free measurement service to residents of Somerset; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. WaldegraveI am advised by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) that, on the basis of the results of its preliminary national survey, the only area of Somerset which is currently considered to be an area where radon concentrations might be at or above the action level for existing houses is the eastern part of the geographical area of Sedgemoor in the area of Mendip district council. My Department will pay the cost of measurements by the NRPB of houses in this area. Adequate funds will be made available to ensure that free measurements can be carried out in all areas where radon concentrations might be above or near the action level. In deciding whether or not free measurement of a particular property would be justified the NRPB will consider previous survey results on the locality and geological similarities with other parts of the country known to have elevated radon concentrations. Information on the physical characteristics of the particular dwelling will also be taken into account.