Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he possesses further to that included in the 1987 annual report, to April 1987, of the radiochemical inspectorate, concerning the whereabouts of a consignment of Americium-241 which disappeared en route from the United States of America to Amersham International; what investigations have been undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 23 May 1988]: A full investigation was carried out by inspectors of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, who interviewed employees of the agencies concerned and arranged for an extensive physical search of the agencies' premises to be carried out. Despite those efforts, the radioactive source was not located. The freight handling agencies have been instructed to notify HMIP immediately if the package is found. Steps have been taken to ensure that the carriers 361W concerned are fully aware of the requirements of the Storage in Transit Exemption Order 1962, and I am considering whether any amendments to that Order are required.