HC Deb 23 January 1987 vol 108 cc750-1W
Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Gwent as to what training the Gwent constabulary have received to deal with accidents involving radioactivity; whether the divisions of that force carry out regular exercises to deal with such accidents; and at what intervals such exercises take place;

(2) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Gloucestershire as to what training the constabulary have received to deal with accidents involving radioactivity; whether the divisions of that force carry out regular exercises to deal with such accidents; and at what intervals such exercises take place;

(3) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Gloucestershire as to what items of equipment are available for police use in an accident involving radioactive contamination in the Gloucestershire constabulary area listing the number of (i) dosimeters, (ii) radiac survey meters, (iii) sets of protective clothing, (iv) breathing units and (v) de-contamination units;

(4) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Gwent as to what items of equipment are available for police use in an accident involving radioactive contamination in the Gwent constabulary area listing the number of (i) dosimeters, (ii) radiac survey meters, (iii) sets of protective clothing, (iv) breathing units and (v) decontamination units.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Officers of Gloucestershire and Gwent constabularies are trained in the effect of radioactivity during initial training with a refresher course every three years. Both forces have contingency plans for dealing with major incidents, including incidents involving radioactivity, which are exercised at least once a year. Gloucestershire police force holds 14 dosimeters and 338 radiac survey meters (PDRM82s), and Gwent 16 and 184 respectively. Further equipment and professional advice is available as set out in the Emergency Planning Guidance to Local Authorities. A copy is in the Library.