HC Deb 27 November 1987 vol 123 cc358-9W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether his Department has recently investigated levels of mustard gas remaining at the site of the world war 2 valley plant, at Rhydymwyn in Clwyd; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will describe decontamination procedures carried out at the valley mustard gas plant at Rhydymwyn, Clwyd (a) at the time of the plant's closure and (b) on subsequent occasions;

(3) whether storage pits containing mustard gas production equipment at the world war 2 valley plant at Rhydymwyn, Clwyd are still in existence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

This is the responsibility of the Property Services Agency.

The PSA commissioned the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in October 1985 to carry out a comprehensive survey of the Rhydymwyn site and identify and report on any chemical contamination present.

Any contamination remaining is minimal and the risks involved are no higher than for any site which has been used for industrial purposes.

The pits originally containing mustard gas production equipment were cleared, decontaminated and backfilled after world war 2.

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