§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the total staff and administration cost to his Department of the Chernobyl accident.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythStaff and associated administration costs relating to the Chernobyl accident which have been incurred by the Scottish Office in the period to the end of May 1988 are estimated to be in the region of £0.9m. In addition, some £464,000 has been spent on such matters as purchasing sheep and other produce for testing; the laboratory analysis of these to establish the levels of radioactivity; associated transport costs; and purchasing live monitoring equipment and paint used in connection with the mark and release scheme. Compensation to farmers in the restricted areas in Scotland has so far amounted to £1.6m.