nuclear-news

Dave Whyte, 76, of Kirkcaldy, recently placed a freedom of information question on the level of radiation the New Zealand Royal Naval ships Pukaki and Rotoiti received whilst patrolling Christmas Island during the British nuclear tests.

A scientific study carried out for the New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans Association in 2007 concluded that the crews of these ships received three times the normal level of “chromosomal translocation”, leading to long term genetic damage.

However, the Ministry of Defence has now told him that while it does hold the exposure information, it is to be withheld because the request “requires consultation with a foreign government and disclosure would prejudice international relations”.

Mr Whyte, who has now raised his concerns in a letter to the New Zealand prime minister, told The Courier he believes the MoD’s position is further evidence of a “cover-up” to protect the civilian nuclear industry.

He wants to determine the level of radiation activity required to cause the degree of genetic damage New Zealand servicemen received.

He said: “The MoD inform us we received little or no extra radiation, yet it has been discovered the crews of these ships received three times the normal level of chromosomal translocations which will be passed from generation to generation, according to the Professor Al Rowland, Massey University Study.

“If the crews of these ships received very little radiation I wonder why there appears to be a cover-up? ……

Mr Whyte recently won a freedom of information victory over the MoD and says he can now “prove beyond doubt” that he was exposed to massive levels of unsafe radiation during British nuclear tests. …..www.scotland4me.co/…/fife–fife–nuclear–veteran–denied–information-on…