HC Deb 13 September 2004 vol 424 cc1466-8W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will break down the costs of the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters by main budget heading; [184000]

(2) whether the Final Report of the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters was unanimous; and if he will make a statement; [184001]

(3) on what dates the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters has met; [184002]

(4) what steps he is taking to appoint a successor chairman of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment; [184008]

(5) what changes he plans to the terms of reference of the chairman of the (a) Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment and (b) Small Area Health Statistics Unit. [184009]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The Department has not yet received the final version of the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters (CERRIE) report. We understand it is expected to be published in October this year. It would not he appropriate to comment at this time.

The CERRIE secretariat has informed me that the Committee held 16 meetings on the following dates—4 December 2001; 7 February 2002; 20 March 2002; 6 June 2002; 8 August 2002; 1 October 2002; 11 December 2002; 27 February 2003; 30 April 2003; 26 June 2003; 22 October 2003; 16 December 2003; 24 February 2004; 31 March 2004; 19 May 2004; and 24 June 2004. The Committee also convened a workshop on 21, 22 and 23 July 2003, which all members attended.

The position of chairman to the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) was advertised. Any appointment will be made in strict adherence to the published guidance of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

I have no plans to change the terms of reference of either COMARE or the small area health statistic unit.

The committee is expected to conclude its work in October 2004. The total cost of this work will be approximately £445,000. This includes the costs of the secretariat, meeting expenses, including a three day workshop and Committee members' travel and subsistence.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters has commissioned written transcriptions of the audio-recorded proceedings of its meetings; [184003]

(2) what access members of the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters have had to written transcriptions of the audio-recorded proceedings of the Committee's meetings; [184012]

(3) for what reasons the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters cancelled its planned study of cancer incidence in north Essex. [184013]

Miss Melanie Johnson

These are matters that should be addressed in writing to the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters.