HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc389-90W
Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will clarify what is meant by a clear training advantage in the use of radioactive materials during military training exercises simulating nuclear accidents.

Mr. Ian Stewart

In order to maintain an effective nuclear accident response organisation, capable of dealing with the consequences of an accident involving defence nuclear material, personnel have to be trained in the use of detection equipment, in decontamination techniques, and in safe operating procedures in contaminated areas. Most of this training can be undertaken without the use of radioactive material. However, it is necessary to ensure that such training is effective by giving appropriate personnel some experience of working with the low levels of radioactivity required to achieve relevant instrument readings. Such training is only carried out under safe, controlled conditions, and the material involved is of concentrations that do not pose a hazard either to the participants or to the general public.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of military training exercises simulating nuclear accidents and involving the use of radioactive materials which his Department has under-taken in each year since 1979 inclusive.

Mr. Ian Stewart

It is not our practice to give details of nuclear accident response exercises.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will itemise the protective clothing worn by service men when participating in military training exercises simulating nuclear accidents.

Mr. Ian Stewart

All personnel permitted access to contaminated areas in such exercises are required to wear protective clothing appropriate to the levels of contamination assumed for exercise purposes including respiratory protection. Such clothing also includes items such as coveralls, gloves and boots.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what procedures his Department has for monitoring the long-term effects on the health of those personnel who participate in training exercises involving the use of radioactive materials;

(2) if his Department has any plans to review (a) the use of radioactive materials in training exercises simulating nuclear accidents, (b) the procedures for monitoring the effects on those involved and (c) the procedures for informing other authorities of such exercises;

(3) which authorities his Department informs when training exercises dealing with nuclear accidents take place; at what stage each of these authorities is informed; and at which level, within each authority, the information is made available.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr, Wallace) of 20 July at columns95–96; and that to the hon. Member for Stoke on Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher) of 20 July at column 94. I see no need to review procedures in this area.