HC Deb 11 November 1992 vol 213 cc819-20W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been conducted by the Meteorological Office on the potential effects on the atmospheric balance of the release of radioactive Krypton-85.

Mr. Aitken

This is a matter delegated to the Meteorological Office under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Llew Smith, dated 9 November 1992:

The Meteorological Office has considered the possible impact of the release of radioactive Krypton-85, but has conducted no specific studies. Although the release affects the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere by a small amount, there are as yet no accepted theories to suggest that this minor effect has a significant influence on weather phenomena such as thunderstorms.