HC Deb 08 February 1985 vol 72 cc740-1W
Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts are being made to examine medically all civilians involved in Christmas Islands atomic tests.

Mr. Butler

The health study currently being undertaken by the National Radiological Protection Board includes civilians who were involved in the British atmospheric nuclear weapon test programmes in Australia and the South Pacific, and is intended to show whether participants, as a group or groups, have been disadvantaged by their involvement in the tests. As many of the civilian participants were and have since continued to be radiation workers, they have received regular medical examination in the course of their normal duties. However, no medical examinations are involved directly as part of the NRPB study, which is being conducted on the basis of existing records.

United Kingdom defence companies USA defence companies in contractual relationship with the Ministry of Defence
Applicants Numbers approved Conditions imposed Refused Applicants Numbers approved Conditions imposed Refused¾
1979 113 87 4 1
1980 131 57 14 1 2 2
1981 177 112 9 1 2 2
1982 340 239 18 2 4 4
1983 475 395 22 6 6
1984 605 456 12 1 3 3

A comprehensive list of companies associated with these applications is not readily available, and could be only obtained at disproportionate cost and staff effort.