To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department considered research by the Royal College of Radiologists on effects of excessive X-ray treatment; and if he will make a statement.

We are considering the document entitled "Patient Dose Reduction in Diagnostic Radiology" issued by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) on 5 September 1990. This document reports the findings of the joint working party of the Royal College of Radiologists and NRPB, and makes recommendations for the reduction of radiation doses to patients. Radiologists and other professionals who work in this field have a statutory obligation to keep the dose of ionising radiation to the patient as low as reasonably practicable in order to achieve the required diagnostic purpose, and we are considering what other assistance or advice can be offered by the Department of Health.