Written question asked by Ken Livingstone (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 May 1996. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 May 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To what chemical agents service personnel attending the Defence Nuclear Biological and Chemical Centre at Winterbourne Gunner have been exposed during training courses since 1966; and what was the purpose of such exposure.

Answer: Mr. Livingstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what chemical agents service personnel attending the defence nuclear biological and chemical centre at Winterbourne Gunner have been exposed during training courses since 1966; and what was the purpose of such exposure.[28039] Mr. Soames: Service personnel attending courses at DNBCC have not been subjected to any chemical agents since 1980. Between 1966 and 1980, students at DNBCC were exposed to a small amount of mustard agent, equating to the size of a pinhead, on the inside of their wrists. The aim of these exercises was to prove and give confidence to the chemical agent decontamination process which students would be expected to teach to members of the service in their parent units. The practice stopped on scientific advice from the chemical and biological defence establishment because it was not compatible with emerging health and safety guidelines.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28039; 277 c441W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Armed forces Chemical and biological warfare Defence Chemical weapons Research Defence Nuclear Biological and Chemical Centre