Ministry of Defence
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MoD announces research into nuclear test veterans' health needs
The MOD announced today that it will be conducting an assessment of the health needs of nuclear test veterans and their descendants in a move welcomed by the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA).
MOD experts will join representatives from the BNTVA and MPs to form a working group designed to finalise details of this research and identify a sample group to study.
Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said:
"I am determined to address the ongoing concerns of nuclear test veterans and their families. To that end, I am extremely pleased to announce that we will be undertaking a project to investigate the particular health needs of the nuclear test veterans and their descendants. This work will enable us to ensure that this group are getting the best care possible and identify where any improvements can be made."
The MOD will also follow up on last year's New Zealand chromosomal study. This work is in the planning stages but the aim is to create a study that will provide veterans with practical, relevant and timely results.
It is hoped that these research projects will both be underway by the end of this year.
Notes to Editors:
1. Between 1952 and 1958 the UK conducted a total of 21 atmospheric nuclear tests in Australia, and at Malden Island and Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean in the 1950s. Some 28,000 UK Service personnel were involved in the test programme.
2. This and previous Government's frequently stated position is that there is no evidence of excess illness or mortality amongst the veterans as a group which could be linked to their participation in the tests or to exposure to radiation as a result of that participation. Formal and well-documented procedures were in place to ensure the health and safety of those participating in the tests. Personnel Safety Plans were prepared and used for each operation and environmental monitoring was undertaken. Personal monitoring and protective clothing was used where appropriate for each trial. The effectiveness of these procedures is demonstrated by the fact that the majority of participants received little or no additional radiation exposure as a result of participation.
3. This is borne out by three studies into cancer incidence and mortality amongst nuclear test participants conducted by the independent National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). The latest Report NRPB-W27 entitled "Mortality and Cancer Incidence 1952-1998 in UK Participants in the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests and Experimental Programmes" published in 2003 concluded that overall levels of mortality and cancer incidence in the nuclear weapons test participants have continued to be similar to those in a matched control group, and for overall mortality to be lower than expected from national rates. Cancer is the predominant marker of ill health caused by exposure to ionising radiation. The one exception is the suggestion especially in the first study that leukaemias, other than chronic lymphatic, are more common in participants in the first twenty five years after participation.
4. The UK Government recognises the vital contribution service personnel played in the UK's nuclear tests during the 1950s and understands its obligation to veterans. When compensation claims are received they are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a proven legal liability compensation is paid.
5. For more information please contact Hannah Fletcher in the MOD Press Office, 020 7218 7924, hannah.fletcher359@mod.uk
