Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Monday, 1 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 July 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 July 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will commission a review study of the cancers reported in the early National Radiological Protection Board studies in cases involving multiple myeloma.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will commission a review study of the cancers reported in the early National Radiological Protection Board studies in cases involving multiple myeloma. [74730] Mr. Spellar: Earlier studies by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) embraced all cancer related illnesses including multiple myeloma. The overall conclusion of these studies was that the total incidence of cancer among nuclear test veterans was less than among the general population and no higher than among the control group. I announced on 25 February 1999 that my Department would fund a further study to address the incidence of multiple myeloma among nuclear test veterans. This is because there was some uncertainty about the incidence of this particular illness following the first NRPB study; and we wish to assess whether or not there is any significance in the recently reported increased rates.

Secondary information