HC Deb 30 June 1989 vol 155 cc583-4W
Mr. John Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of research into radiation and nuclear submarine personnel.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There is no research specifically being undertaken into radiation and nuclear submarine personnel. The study to which I presume the hon. Member refers is part of the general study being undertaken by the Medical Research Council environmental epidemiological centre at Southampton univerity into mortality and morbidity among all submariners in the machine-manufactured submarine environment. The study, which began in 1988, is due to finish next year. It is too early to comment on any possible findings.