§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the number of veterans of British nuclear tests who were alive at the start of the study conducted into the effects of radiation on them by the National Radiological Protection Board; what is his estimate of the number still alive; and if he will make a statement. [39214]
§ Mr. SoamesOut of over 20,000 veterans' studies by the National Radiological Protection Board, more than 3,000 would have died—over 900 of them from cancer—if the veterans had suffered the same death and cancer rates as members of the public in the same age groups. In fact, fewer than 2,800 veterans died—fewer than 800 from cancer—these figures being no higher than for the670W matched control group in the NRPB study. It follows that there has been no overall excess of death or cancer among test participants.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies his Department has made into the value of having an overarching sub-Department dealing with veterans' affairs; when he last met representatives of the Government of the United States of America to discuss this matter; when he next plans to meet them to discuss this matter; and if he will make a statement. [39210]
§ Mr. SoamesMy Department has not carried out any studies into the value of having a sub-Department for veterans' affairs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any meetings with representatives of the Government of the United States of America to discuss this matter, nor has he any plans to do so.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy on the study by the National Radiological Protection Board into the effects of radiation on veterans of British nuclear tests; what instructions, advice and guidance he has given to the NRPB on the continuation of its study since the publication of its latest report; and if he will make a statement. [39215]
§ Mr. SoamesThe studies conducted by the National Radiological Protection Board concluded that there has been no overall excess of death or cancer among British nuclear test participants. No instructions, advice or guidance have been given to the NRPB since the publication of the report in December, 1993, although we have made it clear that we see no need for a further study into the health of test veterans.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what categories of written or recorded oral evidence, computerised data and other information gathered by the National Radiological Protection Board before, during and after its study into the effects of radiation on veterans of British nuclear tests is available for public inspection; what categories are not available for public inspection; what written or recorded oral evidence, computerised data and other information arising from this study has been destroyed or lost; and if he will make a statement. [39211]
§ Mr. SoamesInformation available to the public is contained in the National Radiological Protection Board's report "Mortality and Cancer Incidence 1952–90 in United Kingdom Participants in the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Weapon Tests and Experimental Programmes", published in December 1993. Personal details including recorded radiation dosage are available only to the individuals to whom they refer or their next of kin. We are not aware of any evidence having been destroyed or lost.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his policy that the National Radiological Protection Board should continue its study into the effects of radiation on veterans of British nuclear tests; what proposals he has to assist them; and if he will make a statement. [39213]
§ Mr. SoamesWe have no plans to sponsor any further studies.
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§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with representatives of foreign Governments who pay and have paid compensation to veterans of nuclear tests; what conclusion he has drawn as to the reasons they have decided to take such action; and if he will make a statement. [39209]
§ Mr. SoamesAmong British nuclear test veterans there has been no overall excess of death or malignant disease, so the question of compensation does not arise. I am not aware of detailed discussions with foreign Governments on the matter, but I understand that in the USA, some ex-service veterans involved in former atmospheric nuclear test programmes may receive a pension and entitlement to free medical care.