Written question asked by Peter Duncan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2003. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, to what type of radiation (a) submariners and (b) radiation workers are exposed when they leave radiation-controlled areas on board submarines.

Answer: Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what type of radiation (a) submariners and (b) radiation workers are exposed when they leave radiation-controlled areas on board submarines. [137697] Mr. Caplin: Both submariners and radiation workers leaving radiation-controlled areas may be exposed to very low levels of gamma and neutron radiation on board the submarine, if the reactor is operating. The construction of the submarine, and controls on occupancy of all areas, ensure that the amount of such radiation received by personnel is below Ministry of Defence's self-imposed limits, which are themselves well below all legal limits. If the reactor is shut down, the gamma and neutron radiation falls to natural background radiation levels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137697; 413 c183W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Health hazards Radiation Radiation exposure Radioactivity Submarines
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk