Inquiry into nuclear body parts claims

Updated 13.10 Wed Apr 18 2007

Keywords: politics, Alistair Darling, health, nuclear, britain

An investigation is to be held into the unauthorised removal of body parts from 65 nuclear power plant workers who died from cancer.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling addressed the House of Commons and said Michael Redfern QC, who conducted the Royal Liverpool Children's inquiry at Alder Hey, will head up the probe.

"Our chief concern is for the families of those who died" - Gary Smith

The GMB and Prospect, which represents workers at Sellafield in Cumbria, had called for an inquiry, claiming tissue, bones and body parts were removed from workers for medical examination without permission.

National officer Gary Smith said: "Our chief concern is for the families of those who died during this period and the anguish they face. We need information from the company and we expect a quick reply to clarify what has happened."

A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said: "The prime concern is the feelings of the families. There are clearly a number of matters that need investigating dating back to the 1960s."

Tory spokesman Charles Hendry welcomed the inquiry, saying Mr Redfern had "exceptional expertise and authority".