§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what level of technetium has been reported in lobsters obtained from the Irish Sea in the vicinity of Sellafield. [1787]
§ Mr. MorleyLevels of technetium -99 in lobsters from the Irish Sea close to BNFL Sellafield are reported in the MAFF report—Radioactivity in Food and the Environment, 1995. The average level in lobsters was 8,300 Bq/kg in 1995. In 1996 the level rose to 17,900 Bq/kg in the second quarter and then reduced to 6,430 Bq/kg in the last quarter. The annual radiation exposure to the most exposed group associated with lobster consumption was 18åSv in 1995 and 29åSv/year in 1996. This can be compared with the public dose limit of 1000åSv/year and presents no food safety concerns.