§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to evaluate the work of the Medical Research Council radiation biology unit on establishing links between low dose radiation and cell abnormality; and what additional guidance he proposes to give to hospitals engaging in radiotherapy treatment and to the National Radiological Protection Board.
§ Mr. DorrellThe study by Kadim et al published inNature on 20 February 1992, a copy of which is available in the Library, is one of numerous studies being conducted in this area. I am advised that whilst the reported findings of this relatively limited study pose interesting questions, relating to the response of cells to alpha particle irradiation, they should not be judged in isolation. The authors themselves have stated that this is only a "first and unexpected" step in a chain of research. The National Radiological Protection Board is aware of this study and is conducting related research. The results of the study have been drawn to the attention of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment which is