HC Deb 26 October 1998 vol 318 cc62-3W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons files covering(a) the effects of radioactivity tests on animals, (b) the accident at Windscale in 1957 and (c) the accident at the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston in 1959 have been withheld from release at the Public Record Office; and what system his Department has for reviewing decisions not to release individual files. [55422]

Mr. George Howarth

We can trace no relevant records in the Home Office. Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, we regulate the individual researcher, the establishment in which the work is conducted, and each research project. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 which operated in the 1950s, however, only individuals and not specific projects had to be authorised. We are unable therefore to trace any information concerning the nature of work performed at that time.

It is possible that the work on radioactivity was supported by one of the Research Councils. If this is the case, the Office of Science and Technology will need more specific information in order to mount a successful search. The files of Research Councils, like those of Government Departments, are subject to the code of practice on Access to Government Information which came into effect on 4 April 1994. To the best of my knowledge, all files belonging to the Department of Trade and Industry relating to the accident at Windscale have been released to the Public Record Office.

The Department of Trade and Industry currently retains one file from 1959 relating to the accident at Aldermaston. In accordance with normal records review procedures, the Department of Trade and Industry is currently reviewing the sensitivity of this file.

File 26–2–59 EG1/173, on the accident at Aldermaston, has been located. It will be reviewed to see if it is possible to release either the entire file, or any of its contents, at this time. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will write to my hon. Friend once the process has been completed.