Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2000. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Monday, 27 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what research he has commissioned on the health implications of very high concentrations of technetium in seafood; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figure.

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned on the health implications of very high concentrations of technetium in seafood; and if he will make a statement. [115529] Yvette Cooper: No specific research is currently carried out into the health effect of technetium-99 in seafood as the effects of ingested radioactivity have been studied for many years. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food carries out a comprehensive monitoring programme around the British Isles, which shows the most exposed seafood consumer received only 2 per cent. of the annual dose limit from exposure to technetium-99.

Secondary information