Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are being taken to clean up the radioactive contamination at the Harwell tank farm, following the discovery of radioactive waste contamination on 24 May; what assessment has been made of the effects on Atomic Energy Research Establishment workers and members of the public of this leak; and what has been the cost of the clean-up operation to date.
§ Mr. TrippierLow level radioactive contaminated water from the tank farm area is being treated in the Harwell effluent plant. The effect of the contamination on workers and members of the public is insignificant. Approximately £20,000 has been spent on the clean-up operation to date.