§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research has been undertaken(a) by and (b) on behalf of his Department into prophylactic measures to deal with dirty radioactive bombs. [61968]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence does not carry out research targeted at dealing with dirty radioactive bombs. However, my Department is carrying out relevant research, including work on the nuclear and radiological aspects of military NBC defence, a review of potential radiological weapons, and support to development of equipment for use by se vice personnel in military operations, such as radiation alarms, dosimeters and survey meters. Among other things, this contributes to the Home Office led, inter-departmental mechanisms that ensure the Government can prevent, and respond to the widest possible range of terrorist actions in the United Kingdom.