§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer to the hon. Member for Delyn (Mr. Hanson) of 6 November 1997,Official Report, column 386, (1) which department authorised the disposal of radioactive miss-distance indicators in the Holyhead Deep in 1974; [15984]
(2) if he will establish an inquiry into the implications for public health of the disposal of radioactive miss-distance indicators in the Holyhead Deep in 1974; [15983]
(3) how many radioactive miss-distance indicators were disposed of in Holyhead Deep in 1974, indicating the date of each disposal; [15982]
(4) if he will place in the Library all material held by his Department relating to the disposal of radioactive miss-distance indicators by the Royal Air Force in the Holyhead Deep in 1974.[15985]
§ Mr. RookerOur records show that 112 radioactive miss-distance indicators were dumped in the Holyhead Deep in the second half of 1974. The Ministry of Defence has advised that the dumpings took place on 14–15 August 1974. The disposals were authorised by the Ministry of Defence and the records show that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was informed. I am advised that these disposals do not have any significance for human health or the environment. Nevertheless, as I explained in my earlier reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr. Hanson), I have passed the details to the National Radiological Protection Board for an independent assessment, the results of which I expect to announce shortly. I have today placed in the Library of the House copies of the one original archive document identified by this Department which relates to these disposals.