§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research Her Majesty's Government have carried our or commissioned into the risk of high radon levels in areas of Derbyshire where the geological profile includes carboniferous age shales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanFollowing a survey of Derbyshire commissioned by my Department, the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) has designated parts of Derbyshire as radon-affected areas. The areas most affected are associated with carboniferous limestones. A copy of the relevant NRPB publication, "Documents of the NRPB", vol. 3, No. 4, was placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate, by regional health authority area, the total number of houses which may exceed(a) a radon level of 200 bq/sq m and (b) 20 bq/sq m; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe survey of radon in homes in England does not provide data in the form requested. A summary of the survey results by county, district and postcode sector is given in the NRPB report "Radon in Dwellings in England", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The NRPB estimates that there are about 100,000 homes in England above 200 bq/sq m and about 5.5 million above the average level of 20 bq/sq m.