Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 January 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 January 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: If he will comment on the findings of the study, An Assessment of Radioactive Levels around the Former Air Base at Greenham Common, Berkshire (NRPB-M752), published on 19th December 1996; what was the cost to his Department of this study; and what follow-up studies are planned.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the findings of the study, "An Assessment of Radioactive Levels around the Former Air Base at Greenham Common, Berkshire, NRPB-M752, published on 19 December 1996; what was the cost to his Department of this study; and what follow-up studies are planned. [10893] Mr. Soames: We are pleased to note the conclusions of this independent study by the NRPB which my Department has funded at a cost in the region of £50,000. The study has provided definitive reassurance that, on the basis of the measurement data, the doses received from artificial radionuclides by people living in the area around Newbury and Greenham Common are no different to those received in similar areas elsewhere in the country. The findings of the study are entirely consistent with my Department's assurances that there is no basis to the allegations made last year about a nuclear weapon accident at the base. There are no plans to commission any further such studies.

Secondary information