HC Deb 02 April 1990 vol 170 c442W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what assessment he has made of the danger to Towyn residents of contamination by radioactive dust left behind by the floodwater; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what proposals he has to clean up radioactive dust left behind by floodwater in Towyn earlier this year; a nd if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

Government scientists have visited Towyn and have measured external gamma dose rates, and the radioactivity in the sediment left by the floodwater. The gamma dose rates were indistinguishable from those expected due to natural radiation. The doses of radioactivity which could result from the radioactivity in the sediment were within the normal variations in the natural background exposure to the United Kingdom population.

The levels of radioactivity in the sediment are such that no special precautions are required for clean-up of the area or disposal of the sediment.

The impact of the radioactivity in the sediment on livestock is still being assessed.

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