§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many military personnel, representing what percentage of the task force during the Christmas Island nuclear weapons test explosions, were provided with protective clothing and respirators or alternative breathing apparatus;
(2) how many civilian personnel representing what percentage of the task force during the Christmas Islands nuclear test explosions were provided with protective clothing and respirators or alternative breathing apparatus.
§ Mr. Norman LamontAppropriate protective equipment, including the items that are referred to, was issued to all personnel, whether civilian or military, when it was needed for the duties on which they were engaged. The decision to employ protective measures was taken on the advice of health physicists. Such duties were undertaken by a very small proportion of the task force. Radiation exposures were recorded but not the issue of every item of protective equipment.