Written question asked by Mike Weir (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 14 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 January 2002. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 17 January 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will grant the funds necessary to finance (a) blood and (b) saliva tests for radiation pioneered by Dundee University.

Answer: Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will grant the funds necessary to finance (a) blood and (b) saliva tests for radiation pioneered by Dundee university. [28058] Dr. Moonie: The Ministry of Defence has been approached in the past to grant funds to Dundee university for such studies into the possible radiation exposure of nuclear test veterans. We have declined to do so because there are reservations about the capabilities of the proposed techniques for estimating historic radiation doses. Other studies using these techniques have found them to be inconclusive when there is a considerable time lapse since exposure, and where the exposure is low. These constraints were found to be particularly so in an age group typical of British nuclear test veterans.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28058; 378 c394W;378 c408W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Blood Finance Radiation exposure Research Testing Body fluids University of Dundee Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk