§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to conduct an aerial survey of the whole or part of the United Kingdom in the event of an accident occurring in a nuclear power station in northern France; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe safety of foodstuffs, for which my Department is responsible, requires direct measurement of dietary items. The potential value of an aerial survey in relation to food production would need to be assessed in the light of specific circumstances.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has conducted a review of his emergency planning procedures as a result of a nuclear accident in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 18 December 1986.
My Department played a full part in the Government's post-Chernobyl review of contingency planning, including preparation of the national response plan for dealing with the effects of a future nuclear accident overseas. We shall continue to review and update our emergency arrangements in the light of technical and scientific developments both at home and overseas. Details of our arrangements for each of the major United Kingdom nuclear sites are being prepared for publication and copies will be placed in the Library of the House.