HC Deb 28 February 1990 vol 168 cc223-4W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when and by whom the maximum safe dose of radioactivity for workers at nuclear power stations in Wales has been decided on; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

Workers in nuclear power stations in Wales are subject to the same limits for exposure to ionising radiations as all other nuclear power station workers in England and Scotland. The limits are set out in schedule 1 to the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985. The regulations comply with an European Community directive (80/836 Euratom, as amended by 84/467) which in turn reflects advice from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). This advice is now under review.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has proposals to review the legal maximum dose of radioactivity to workers at nuclear plants in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

The Health and Safety Commission has recently issued a consultative document containing proposals for interim action pending receipt of revised international recommendations. The Health and Safety Commission's working group on ionising radiations will in due course consider the revised recommendations and make proposals for further action if necessary.