§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to publish the study prepared by the National Radiological Protection Board on the effects of radiation exposure to British service men in nuclear tests.
§ Mr. HanleyThe National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) published in 1988 a study of mortality and cancer among former participants in the British atmospheric nuclear test programme. A follow-up study has been undertaken by the NRPB and I understand that it hopes to publish it later this year. The timing of the publication is, of course, entirely a matter for the NRPB. I know of no new evidence, however, that would change the current position that the overall incidence of death and malignant disease has been no greater among nuclear test veterans than among the general population.