asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the possible danger to human health arising from the import of tortoises that have been exposed to radioactivity; and what steps are taken to ensure that these animals, on their arrival in Great Britain, are free from this and other infections.

I am advised that there is no hazard from radioactivity from imported tortoises—[Laughter.]—and no evidence of infection arising from them which would justify control measures.

Quite apart from the question of cruelty to these animals—which is not funny, but which is perhaps not the responsibility of the right hon. Gentleman—is he aware that the reassuring Answer that he has given is completely contrary to the opinion expressed by the Director of the Medical Research Council's Radiobiological Research Unit at Harwell?

I have no evidence which leads me to think that there is danger from radioactivity in these tortoises.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the point I put to him in my supplementary question? Will he look at it again?

Information from that as well as other sources has been obtained.