§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research is being undertaken into the mutation of lambs born in the restricted area in north Wales since the Chernobyl accident; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerScientific and veterinary advice indicates that the level of Chernobyl contamination presents no health hazard to sheep and will have no effect on their fertility and breeding potential.
Congenital defects in lambs may be caused by a variety of factors including viral infections and nutritional deficiencies. There is no evidence that lambs born in the north Wales restricted area have a higher incidence of congenital defects than lambs born elsewhere.
I understand that a research project by Liverpool university into the effects of low levels of radiation on sheep is utilising sheep supplied by farmers in north Wales.