§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what area of Gwynedd remains restricted as regards lamb sales to market as a consequence of the Chernobyl nuclear power station explosion in 1985; what the total cost in compensation has been since in each year since 1985; and what is the scientific prognosis for 1992 grass growth and saleable lamb meat production in Gwynedd.
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§ Mr. David HuntAs the question refers to the post-Chernobyl situation in Wales, I am responding to the hon. Gentleman.
The area of Gwynedd currently under restriction comprises approximately 75,483 hectares—about 186,519 acres. This compares to about 300,890 hectares—about 743,500 acres—when restrictions were first introduced in June 1986. A copy of a map illustrating the current restricted area which accompanied a recent press release was placed in the Library of the House on 16 December 1991.
The total cost in compensation paid to farmers in the restricted area of North Wales, in each of the years since the introduction of restrictions is as follows:
£ 1986–87 2,638,691 1987–88 679,228 1988–89 578,868 1989–90 620,069 1990–91 613,548 11991–92 460,452 Total 5,590,856 1 (to 29 November). Grass growth within the restricted area has not been affected to any significant degree by the Chernobyl deposition. However, the amount of radiocaesium in the root matt and surrounding soil which is taken up by vegetation can vary from year to year. This is due to the complex interactions of several factors such as weather, soil type, drainage and sheep grazing habits which are still the subject of research. It is not possible therefore to forecast the radiocaesium levels for 1992.
The arrangements operated from the movement and marketing of sheep from the restricted area have proved to be a satisfactory way of enabling farmers to continue with normal husbandry and marketing practices whilst ensuring the safety of the food chain. This year fewer than 2 per cent. of sheep leaving the Gwynedd restricted area for movement and marketing have recorded above the safety level of 1,000 Bq/Kg.
My Department will continue to study the results from the monitoring of sheep under the movement and marketing arrangements, and from regular monitoring of sheep at selected sites throughout the area. Assessment of these results has enabled suitable areas to be identified for intensive monitoring, which has made it possible to lift restrictions in two small areas this year. Work will continue to be carried out to achieve further derestriction as soon as it is safe to do so.