HC Deb 08 May 1984 vol 59 cc298-9W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation is given to service personnel who have suffered physical harm as a result of radiation leaks or nuclear tests.

Mr. Lee

I know of no such cases, but if one were to occur it would be treated in the same way as any involving a member of the armed forces who suffers injury in the course of official duties.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many British service men have suffered radiation sickness or cancer as a result of radiation leaks or nuclear tests;

(2) whether any British service men have ever been adversely affected by radiation whilst on attachment with the United States armed forces;

(3) how many Army personnel have been adversely affected by radiation whilst carrying out their duties, indicating for each case the year of the incident the cause of the incident and the establishment or unit in which the individual was serving;

(4) how many Royal Air Force personnel have been adversely affected by radiation whilst carrying out their duties, indicating for each case the year of the incident, the cause and the establishment or unit in which the individual was serving;

(5) how many Royal Navy personnel have been adversely affected by radiation whilst carrying out their duties, indicating for each case the year of the incident, the cause of the incident and the vessel or establishment in which the individual was serving;

(6) what information he has to the number of current or former British service personnel who have been rendered temporarily or permanently sterile as a result of exposure to radiation in the course of their official duties.

Mr. Lee

I know of no such cases.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred on board Polaris submarines of the Royal Navy;

(2) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred on board fleet submarines of the Royal Navy;

(3) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred at Royal Air Force establishments;

(4) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred at his Department's research establishments;

(5) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred at Army establishments;

(6) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred at naval dockyards or establishments;

(7) whether any radiation leaks have ever occurred on board surface vessels of the Royal Navy.

Mr. Lee

No significant leakage of radioactive material which has affected the safety of those concerned has ever occurred on board any vessel or at any establishment for which my right hon. Friend has responsibility.