Gas spraying over Norwich: Lamb demands official documents under Freedom Of Information Act

6.56.07pm GMT Thu 13th Oct 2005

Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb, has demanded that the Secretaries of State for Defence and Health release further information relating to the spraying of Cadmium over Norwich in 1963/1964.

Norwich has twice as many cases of cancer of the oesophagus as the national average.

"Important questions remain unanswered," says Mr Lamb. "I have asked the Secretary of State for Health to commit resources to ensure that thorough research is carried out to explore the possible link between the spraying and the high levels of oesophageal cancer in Norwich."

This is a copy of the letter sent to Patricia Hewitt MP Secretary of State for Health on 10th October, followed by one to Dr John Reid, Secretary of State for Defence:

Dear Patricia

Spraying of Cadmium over Norwich: 1963/1964

I enclose a copy of a letter I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence, the contents of which should be self-explanatory.

First of all, I make the same request to you in respect of all the same categories of documents relating to this matter held by your department. I request this under the Freedom of Information Act and I would be grateful if you would reply within the statutory time period.

I understand that you have received a dossier from the Evening News containing details of more than 120 people who fear that they or loved ones have developed oesophageal cancer as a result of the spraying of cadmium over Norwich in 1963 and 1964.

I would be grateful if you would confirm precisely what steps you are taking to investigate this matter. Are you prepared to commit resources to ensuring that a thorough research is carried out to explore this possible link?

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Norman Lamb

Member of Parliament for North Norfolk

To Dr John Reid, Secretary of State for Defence, 10th October

Dear John

Spraying of Cadmium over Norwich: 1963/1964

I write with regard to the above. The Evening News in Norwich has been pursuing a campaign to get answers over possible links between the spraying of cadmium over Norwich and the high rates of oesophageal cancer in the City.

I have been contacted by a constituent who lived in Norwich at that time. He is very concerned about this possible link. I enclose for your assistance a copy of an article from the Evening News dated 28 September and I would be grateful if you could confirm precisely what spraying took place over Norwich during 1963 and 1964. How many occasions did this take place? What substances were sprayed over the City and what was the purpose of the test?

Furthermore, what research has been carried out into possible links between the spraying of cadmium and rates of cancer in the areas affected?

I would also be very grateful if you would forward to me every document you hold relating to this issue, dating back to 1963/`964. Please include all letters, memoranda, file notes, notes of meetings, reports and all other relevant documentation. I make this request under the Freedom of Information Act.

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Norman Lamb

Member of Parliament for North Norfolk