§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what regular medical checks are carried out on service personnel who have served on Her Majesty's submarines(a) during their service and (b) after they have left the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonBefore entering the submarine service Royal Navy personnel undergo various medical checks to ensure that they are fit to do so. Throughout their service they undergo regular routine preventive medical examinations, in common with all other RN personnel. About 10 per cent. of those submariners who serve in nuclear-powered submarines are classified as radiation workers, and they undergo routine medical surveillance as required by the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985.
Prior to leaving the service, a full assessment of the individual's naval medical history is made and a thorough medical examination is carried out. Subsequently, full medical records are available to the individual's general practitioner on request, including the classified radiation worker history where applicable.