Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 October 1996. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 October 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What assessment he has made of the risk of skin cancer for servicemen in the Falklands as a result of perceived changes in the ozone layer; and what precautions he has initiated.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the risk of skin cancer for service men in the Falklands as a result of perceived changes in the ozone layer; and what precautions he has initiated. [40708] Mr. Soames: There is no evidence of health problems amongst service men or their families from ultraviolet light in the Falkland Islands. Personnel deploying to the Falkland Islands are briefed on the risk of ultraviolet light exposure to the skin. Regular news bulletins warn of the daily risk, with personnel being advised to use high factor sun block and to cover up with long sleeve shirts and wide-brimmed hats. There is an environmental health team based at Mount Pleasant which regularly monitors the risk of all environmental health factors on the Falkland Islands.

Secondary information