§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions are issued to those participating in mud runs in relation to heat stress.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 15 January 1990]: All participants in diver training will have been instructed on the recognition and first aid treatment of heat-related illness, and other preventive measures include regular reminders to instructors of the problems associated with heat exhaustion and heat stroke; a minimum interval of two hours between normal physical training and training across mud; the participants' being bareheaded as an aid to body cooling; and the provision of a standby vehicle in case urgent medical evacuation should be necessary.
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§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations have been received calling for the cessation of mud runs; and what advice he has received regarding their value and purpose;
(2) whether mud runs are being used in (a) aptitude tests and (b) training in the armed forces.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 15 January 1990]: There may be a requirement, in operations, for divers in the Royal Navy and the Army to cross mud at speed or carrying heavy equipment, and their training necessarily reflects this. Moreover, this form of training is valuable in developing the qualities required generally of military divers, whose work is arduous and potentially dangerous. However, mud runs are no longer used during aptitude tests.
I am not aware of any representations calling for the cessation of mud runs having been received in 1989, but one letter on this subject has been received from an hon. Member this year.