HC Deb 29 January 2003 vol 398 cc859-60W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tests have been conducted to ensure the reliability of(a) gas masks and (b) protective suits worn by services personnel. [93566]

Mr. Ingram

Both the S10 respirators ('gas masks') and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NEC) suits ('protective suits') are manufactured to required specifications (including stringent quality assurance) to ensure that a high level of reliability is achieved. The respirators have routine inspections covering fit, damage, distortion, wear and component life and are subject to periodic tests (normally annually) in a gas environment to confirm their operational effectiveness. The NBC suits, which are vacuum-packed by the manufacturer prior to dispatch, are subject to exacting quality assurance control. The integrity of the packaging is checked prior to issue to personnel.

Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the procedure is for repairing damaged protective suits used by service personnel to protect them from(a) chemical, (b) nuclear and (c) radiological attack. [93567]

Mr. Ingram

Due to the nature of the item, damaged nuclear, biological and chemical suits are replaced and not repaired.