HC Deb 02 May 1989 vol 152 cc61-2W
Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the deterrent value of(a) a short-range nuclear weapon and (b) a strategic nuclear weapon.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

To support its strategy of deterrence, NATO requires diversified, survivable and operationally-flexible nuclear forces across the entire spectrum of ranges.

the public. The majority of nuclear submarine personnel are not categorised as radiation workers, and there is no requirement to maintain radiation dose records for them. However, regular radiation surveys are carried out on board nuclear-powered submarines to ensure that these personnel do not receive any significant radiation doses.

During the last 10 years, 64 nuclear submarine personnel have received doses of 15 mSv or over in two or more consecutive years. No individual has received more than four separate annual doses of 15 mSv or over during this period.

Mr. John Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in theOfficial Report a breakdown of numbers of nuclear submarine personnel by radiation dose received, cumulative doses and average individual doses, for the years from commencement of the nuclear submarine programme to 1983 inclusive; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Figures for before 1979 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The figures for 1979 to 1983 are as follows: