§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by how many acres the designated area at Glenshane, County Londonderry has been reduced by Statutory order No. 527, 1991, what was the original level of radioactive contamination of the area now excluded and the present level of contamination; what was the original level of contamination and the present level of contamination of the area still under restriction; when he expects the remaining area to have its restrictions removed; what other areas in Northern Ireland and of what acreage are still under restrictions; when he expects those restrictions to be removed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleySR 1991 No. 527 reduced the restricted area at Glenshane, Co Londonderry, by approximately 568 acres. The highest level of radiocaesium recorded in sheep in the derestricted area of Glenshane before derestriction was 504 kg. No monitoring has been done in this area since derestriction. The highest level of contamination in sheep found in the area of Glenshane still under restriction, 3,723 kg, was recorded in 1987; the highest level recorded in 1991 was 1,289 kg. This apparent diminution in monitored levels must be interpreted with caution. The 1991 figure was recorded in sheep put forward for monitoring prior to movement out of the restricted area. These sheep are usually grazed on lower, clean pastures before monitoring resulting in lower levels being detected and cannot be taken as a true reflection of change in the situation in the upland areas.
Approximately 1,305 acres at Belraugh, Co Londonderry and 8,620 acres at Glenwherry, Co Antrim still remain under restriction. It is not possible to predict when the remaining restrictions will be removed. They will be lifted as soon as it is possible to do so without compromising the food chain.