Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Dalgety Bay: Radioactive Contamination and Remediation Works

18 April 2023 · 0 other contributors · 2,309 words

Opened by Neale Hanvey Alba Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

Responding minister: Alex Chalk

DefenceEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Neale Hanvey raised concerns about dalgety bay: radioactive contamination and remediation works in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about radioactive contamination at Dalgety Bay from World War II aircraft debris.
  • Remediation work began in 2011 due to public health concerns highlighted by local journalism.
  • Mr Hanvey seeks updates on recent discussions and milestones, cost estimates, and a visit to the site by the Minister.

Key requests to Government

Mr Hanvey asks the Minister for recent discussions and milestones related to the remediation of Dalgety Bay's coastline, an estimate of current costs with confirmation that all expenses will be borne by the MOD. He seeks a commitment from the Minister to visit the site during works and publish any health risk advice received regarding radioactive pollution.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Neale Hanvey Alba Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

Mr Neale Hanvey is concerned about the radioactive contamination at Dalgety Bay, which originated from aircraft debris buried after World War II. Radium, a hazardous material with a half-life of 1,600 years, was used to coat instrument panels in planes and has contaminated the site. The remediation work began only since 2011 due to public health concerns raised by local journalism. Despite assurances given by previous Defence Ministers that the cleanup would be completed by September 2022, the project remains incomplete with delays extending into 2023.

Government Response

Alex Chalk

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Nokes, and thank you for calling me to speak. I congratulate the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath on securing this important and constructive debate regarding radioactive contamination at Dalgety Bay. The material is thought to have originated from an eroded landfill site containing debris from World War II aircraft with radium painted on their dials, costing around £15 million. Despite no legal requirement for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to undertake this work voluntarily, it agreed in July 2013 following SEPA's investigation. The project got under way in spring 2021 and is expected to finish by September. Over 3,500 individual particles have been picked out by hand with an estimate of around 7,500 cubic metres of beach being dug up, scanned and replaced. All work is on track to conclude this year, providing a wider environmental boost to the local community.

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