Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2004. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 2004 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment the Government has made of the impact on human health of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment the Government have made of the impact on human health of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. [180613] Mr. Touhig: The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) provides information and advice to persons, including Government Departments, in relation to the protection of the community or particular sections of the community from radiation hazards. The National Public Health Service Wales works closely with the NRPB to address such health issues and provide support to Local Health Boards to work with communities when concerns relating to the health of the local population arise. The Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters (CERRIE) has been reviewing the risk models relating to the inhalation or ingestion of radioactivity, and as part of its review has considered the international epidemiological research on health effects arising from the Chernobyl incident. CERRIE is expected to publish its report in the autumn. It will be considered by the UK expert Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) who will then advise the UK Government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 180613; 423 c900-1W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Accidents Health hazards Radiation Wales Nuclear reactors Radioactive fallout Chernobyl
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk