Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 March 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 17 March 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the respirators on NBC suits issued to UK servicemen in the Gulf have been checked for effectiveness; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the respirators on NBC suits issued to UK servicemen in the Gulf have been checked for effectiveness; and if he will make a statement. [103017] Mr. Ingram: All NBC respirators issued to service personnel are periodically tested during training in a Hazardous Environment Chamber to ensure they function correctly and are the correct size for the individual concerned. A new Respirator Test System is being delivered into service. It allows respirators-- including those issued to deployed personnel--to be tested to an even higher standard.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 103017; 401 c531W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Armed conflict Chemical weapons Biological weapons Iraq Nuclear weapons Protective clothing Standards Uniforms Iraq conflict Breathing apparatus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk