The MRC and the Redfern Inquiry
In April 2007, the Government announced an Inquiry into human tissue analysis in UK nuclear facilities. The Inquiry, which is confidential, is chaired by Mr Michael Redfern QC. Its terms of reference and other details are on the Inquiry’s website: www.theredferninquiry.co.uk
The MRC was identified by the Inquiry as having been involved in research on the biological effects of ionising radiation and on radiological protection between 1955 and the present.
A focus of the Inquiry is the legality at the time the studies were undertaken of using human tissue taken post mortem for research, whether consent was required and, if so, what form this took. The MRC is cooperating fully with the Inquiry and providing information and access to relevant files.
So far as we have been able to ascertain, the MRC was not involved in the research at Sellafield that first prompted the Inquiry. However, the MRC did carry out research, for example, in the 1950s and 60s using post mortem tissue to explore the uptake into the body of Strontium-90, an isotope present in fall-out from atmospheric nuclear tests. The results of the study were published in a series of reports between 1959 and 1970. (See also the Neuberger report)
The MRC will publish the formal evidence it has provided to the Inquiry when the Inquiry has reported.
If any researchers who were supported by the MRC to carry out work relevant to the Inquiry’s terms of reference have any information that they think may be of assistance to the Inquiry, they are encouraged to get in touch with the Inquiry team directly at:
The Redfern Inquiry
7th Floor
1 Byrom Place
Manchester M3 3HG
Telephone: 0161 837 1554
Fax: 0161 837 1569
Email: contact@theredferninquiry.co.uk
Any enquiries to MRC should be sent to:
Ms Rosa Parker
rosa.parker@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
