§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what type of radiation(a) submariners and (b) radiation workers are exposed when they leave radiation-controlled areas on board submarines. [137697]
§ Mr. CaplinBoth submariners and radiation workers leaving radiation-controlled areas may be exposed to very low levels of gamma and neutron radiation on board the submarine, if the reactor is operating. The construction of the submarine, and controls on occupancy of all areas, ensure that the amount of such radiation received by personnel is below Ministry of Defence's self-imposed limits, which are themselves well below all legal limits. If the reactor is shut down, the gamma and neutron radiation falls to natural background radiation levels.