HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc388-9W
Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much radioactive material by weight has been removed (a) from the Swynnerton training camp in each of the last seven years and (b) from each exercise involved in Exercise Senator;

(2) where, and by what method of transportation, radioactive material is disposed of following Exercise Senator.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department takes to protect (a) service men, (b) civilians and (c) livestock from land contaminated by radioactivity as a result of training exercises simulating nuclear accidents.

Mr. Ian Stewart

It is not our practice to discuss details of nuclear accident response exercises. However, steps are taken after a nuclear accident exercise involving the use of radioactive materials to ensure that neither MOD personnel, civilians nor livestock are exposed to radiation, by the thorough clearing-up of contaminated material. This is subsequently isolated for a period of a few months to allow it to decay to minute levels of radioactivity. The means of disposal are fully in accordance with the requirements of civil authorising departments.

Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his answer on 15 July, Official Report, columns 1129–35, what method was used to spray radioactive contaminants during the tests referred to.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I shall answer as soon as possible.

Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any exercise at the Swynnerton training camp in January 1981 (a) involved radioactive contaminants and (b) were part of Exercise Senator.

Mr. Ian Stewart

It is not our practice to discuss details of particular exercises.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information was given to police and other personnel active in Swynnerton, Staffordshire, as to the extent to which they were exposed to radioactive materials as a result of military exercises.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I shall answer as soon as possible.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what have been the recent effects of radioactive materials on people in Swynnerton, Staffordshire, arising from military training exercises.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I refer the right hon. Member to my reply of 20 July to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) at column.97.