§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military(a) units and (b) personnel are trained to deal with nuclear, chemical or biological incidents within the UK. [84529]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 2 December 2002]: The United Kingdom has a capability, involving the emergency services and a number of Government Departments and agencies, to make safe terrorist chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) devices. The Ministry of Defence and the armed forces would contribute to the response with personnel and equipment from a number of units based in the UK and available to respond at very short notice. I am 224W withholding precise details of the number of units and personnel in accordance with Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
Beyond this, all armed forces personnel are given basic training to protect themselves in a nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC) environment. The Joint NBC Regiment receives specialist training. It is configured for military operations (primarily overseas) but could provide assistance to the civil power in the UK if appropriate and if not already deployed.
The Civil Contingencies Reaction Forces announced earlier this year will also be equipped and trained to protect themselves in a CBRN environment if called upon to assist the civil power during an incident in the UK.