§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, further to the Minister of State's answer of 7 June,Official Report, columns 674–75, when COMARE originally recommended a study of any possible health effects on the offspring of parents occupationally exposed to radiation; for what reason the recommendation was not then adopted; and when the studies will commence.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE)'s original recommendation for epidemiological studies to consider any possible health effects on the offspring of parents occupationally exposed to radiation was made in COMARE's second report (June 1988). The Government accepted this recommendation and research proposals were invited. COMARE subsequently broadened the scope of this recommendation in its third report (June 1989). The Government also accepted this recommendation and, following consultations with COMARE, have invited more detailed proposals. These proposals are currently undergoing the usual refereeing procedure and research should be commissioned later this year.