HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 cc33-4W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what, for each year since 1975, was the number of explosives accidents and casualties resulting from Army training and exercises; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

[holding answer 14 January 1988]: The following table gives the figures according to Army records for accidents involving Army ammunition during Army training and exercises.

is liable to result in contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another member state. Any information provided is reviewed by the Commission through a group of experts comprising representatives from member states. We understand that currently some refurbishment of the Cap de la Hague facility is taking place which will lead to a reduction in the discharge levels, in particular alpha bearing wastes.

Representations to Her Majesty's Government expressing concern at the possibility of radioactive pollution crossing the Channel have been received only from Guernsey. Her Majesty's Government have communicated this concern to the French authorities, who have taken note. I understand that French nuclear installations are subject to similar stringent regulatory requirements as those in the United Kingdom.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food carries out regular monitoring for radioactivity in the marine environment around the British Isles, including the Channel Islands, and the results are published annually and placed in the Library of the House. These studies indicate that the concentrations of radioactivity in the marine environment attributable to Cap de la Hague are of negligible radiological significance.