§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the duties of the defence radiological protection service; how many people are employed in the service; when the service was set up; and if the service publishes an annual report. [31267]
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§ Mr. ArbuthnotThis is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Simon Hughes, dated 4 June 1996:
I have been asked to reply to your question about the Defence Radiological Protection Service (DRPS) which is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.DRPS employs 75 people and provides the Ministry of Defence with technical and advisory services on all aspects of ionising and non-ionising radiation protection. DRPS also provides advice on the transport and disposal of radioactive material, carries out environmental monitoring surveys and advises on the remediation of land or buildings contaminated with radioactive substances.DRPS was formed in 1982 from the Naval Radiological Protection Service which had been set up in 1965. It remained part of the Royal Naval Medical Service until 1 April 1996 when it became part of DERA.DRPS has published its own Annual Report since its formation and will produce its last independent report later this summer for the financial year 1995/96. In the future information on DRPS will be included in the DERA Annual Report.I hope this is helpful.