Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2008. It was answered by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 October 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Beryllium

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department has (a) undertaken and (b) evaluated on the possible health effects of beryllium on humans.

Answer: The MOD has undertaken three studies on the health effects of beryllium between 1979 and 1990 as part of an ongoing commitment to the health and safety of its employees. These studies involved 338 individual tests for an allergy to beryllium. 16 positive test results were found from workers at the Atomic Weapons Establishments at Aldermaston and Cardiff. The significance of positive tests remains uncertain and no firm conclusions can be drawn.MOD continues to evaluate and contribute to the understanding of the possible health effects of beryllium through AWE's contribution to national and international industry working groups on the subject.

Secondary information