§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will commission a review study of the cancers reported in the early National Radiological Protection Board studies in cases involving multiple myeloma. [74730]
§ Mr. SpellarEarlier studies by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) embraced all cancer related illnesses including multiple myeloma. The overall conclusion of these studies was that the total incidence of cancer among nuclear test veterans was less than among the general population and no higher than among the control group. I announced on 25 February 1999 that my Department would fund a further study to address the incidence of multiple myeloma among nuclear test veterans. This is because there was some uncertainty about the incidence of this particular illness following the first NRPB study; and we wish to assess whether or not there is any significance in the recently reported increased rates.