  The status of dark matter searches with inorganic scintillator detectors at
Boulby mine is reviewed and the results of tests with a CsI(Tl) crystal are
presented. The objectives of the latter experiment were to study anomalous fast
events previously observed and to identify ways to remove this background.
Clear indications were found that these events were due to surface
contamination of crystals by alphas, probably from radon decay. A new array of
unencapsulated NaI(Tl) crystals immersed either in liquid paraffin or pure
nitrogen atmosphere is under construction at Boulby. Such an approach allows
complete control of the surface of the crystals and the ability to remove any
surface contamination. First data from the unencapsulated NaI(Tl) do not show
the presence of anomalous fast events.
