§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that an independent survey is carried out into any possible genetic effects of the Australian and Christmas Island nuclear weapon tests on British personnel.
§ Mr. ButlerI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 31 October 1984, at columns 1120–21.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the survey being carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board into the health of British personnel who took part in the Australian and Christmas Island nuclear weapons tests includes the children of such personnel.
§ Mr. ButlerNo.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress the National Radiological Protection Board is making in its health survey of British personnel who took part in the 1950's south Pacific nuclear weapons tests.
§ Mr. ButlerI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 22 October 1984, at column 497.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now consider the possibility of seeking to establish a British Royal Commission of Inquiry into the effects of 1950s south Pacific nuclear weapon tests on British personnel.
§ Mr. ButlerI am always prepared to consider the possibility of inquiries beyond those currently in hand, but do not consider that a British Royal Commission is appropriate at this moment, whilst the independent study by the National Radiological Protection Board is in train.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest estimate of the number of British personnel who took part in the 1950's Australian and Christmas Island nuclear weapons tests.
§ Mr. ButlerThe estimate of the number of United Kingdom personnel involved in the atmospheric tests of about 20,000 has not changed since the figure given in the debate in the House on 12 March 1984, at column 196, by my predecessor, the hon. Member for Chertsey and Walton (Mr. Pattie).