§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received about the use of thorium 232 in nuclear accident training exercises on British soil; if he was consulted about its use in advance; what assessment he has made of the implications for the environment and for the safety of the civilian population of the use of thorium 232; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what arrangements he has made to ensure the safety of all civilians living or camping in the vicinity of Royal Air Force bases on which United States nuclear accident teams carry out their exercises involving the use of radioactive material.
§ Mr. Ian StewartMy Department has received two representations specifically regarding the alleged use of thorium 232 during nuclear accident training exercises in the United Kingdom. Thorium 232 has not been used during nuclear accident training exercises in the United Kingdom by the British armed forces. In addition, I have been assured by the United States authorities that their military units based in this country do not use radioactive contaminants of any kind during United States nuclear accident response training exercises in the United Kingdom.