§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if, in the light of the Gardner report on radiation risks, he will review current radiation exposure limits at facilities in Scotland licensed to handle radioactive materials;
(2) if, in the light of the Gardner report on radiation risks, he will review current radiation exposure limits at facilities in England licensed to handle radioactive materials;
(3) if, in the light of the Gardner report on radiation risks, he will review current radiation exposure limits at facilities in Wales licensed to handle radioactive materials.
§ Mr. Nicholls[holding answer 28 February 1990]: The radiation exposure limits for all workers are set out in schedule 1 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985. These regulations are based on internationally accepted recommendations from the International Commission on Radiological Protection which are currently being reviewed in the light of revised estimates of risk from radiation.
On 5 February the Health and Safety Commission published a consultative document inviting comments on additional interim guidance on dose limitation pending receipt of revised international recommendations.
In view of the importance of the Gardner report it is to be referred to the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) for immediate consideration. In addition, HSE, subject to the agreement of the individuals concerned, will be investigating in co-operation with BNFL whether other common factors were relevant in the Sellafield study cases. This may help to identify further measures to protect employees.