8 February 2001

The Government refused to launch an inquiry yesterday into the case of a family who claim their three daughters died after their father was exposed to radiation.

Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for Ribble Valley, said they would fight on to find the truth about the effect of radiation on Joe McMaster. Mr McMaster received a dose of uranium while working for the Atomic Energy Authority, now British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) in Preston, Lancashire, during the 1950s. Tests showed he had more than 18 times the radiation level that he normally registered at.

Mr Evans said in a debate in Westminster Hall: "The company states the McMasters have been unlucky and that it was coincidence they have lost all but one of their children. I am asking the minister for a full and independent inquiry ... with no cover up or delay.

The couple had their first daughter, Lynne, in 1950, Jill in 1955 and twins in 1958. The twins were born six months premature and one died at three days old.

In 1964, Lynne developed kidney problems. She later died in 1988 suffering from anaemia, blindness, deafness and paralysis. Jill died from acute leukaemia in 1973. Mr McMaster retired in 1982, with a radiation count of 300 bequerels when it should have been five.

Peter Hain, the Energy minister, insisted scientific evidence was not sufficient for the basis of an inquiry. He said: "BNFL ... honestly believe that in the light of all the evidence ... they cannot ... be expected to provide compensation."