§ Mr. David HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how military and reconnaissance aircraft were disposed of at sea, following British nuclear tests; and what purposes were served by such dumping.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI am not aware that any British military or reconnaissance aircraft were disposed of at sea. However, it was noted that a Grumman Avenger aircraft from HMS Warrior at operation Grapple was lost overboard in an accident.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what manner water was imported into Christmas Island during British nuclear tests there in the 1950s; from where; and how it was monitored.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkRoyal Navy ships fitted with special distillation equipment delivered on average 100 tons of fresh water per day for use ashore on Christmas Island. This was in addition to the main source of supply of treated surface water in which no radioactivity associated with the nuclear tests was detected. I refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 7 November 1988 columns31–32 and 31 October 1988 column 528 which answered similar questions. The RAF was mainly responsible for monitoring all water and ensuring that it met public health standards.