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Written question asked by John Healey (Labour) on Monday, 4 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 December 2023 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 December 2023 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) veterans and (b) next of kin have (i) applied and (ii) been approved to receive a Nuclear Test Medal.

Answer

The following table shows the number of Nuclear Test Medal applications received and approved from veterans or next of kin as at 4 December 2023.

Veterans

Next of Kin

Total

Applications received

2,345

1,567

3,912

Applications approved

1,229

2,089

3,318

As at 4 December 2023, no Nuclear Test Medal applications have been rejected whereby either the veteran, or the deceased former Service person, has been deemed ineligible for the Nuclear Test Medal.

There are cases whereby further investigations are required to determine whether there is any official documentation held that can validate entitlement to the Nuclear Test Medal, as it was not apparent on the individual’s Service record. If evidence cannot be located, then there will be cases that result in a rejection against the qualifying criteria.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
4911
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure Military decorations Testing Veterans
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk