Health study on Christmas Island nuke test vets

Veterans of Britain's nuclear tests in Australia during the 1950s and their descendants will be the subject of a health study by the Ministry of Defence.

The MOD announced overnight it would join representatives of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association and MPs in a working group to finalise details of the research and identify a sample group to study.

UK Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said in a statement: "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 also plans to follow up on a New Zealand study that showed an apparent link between changes to veterans' chromosomes and their participation in tests at Christmas Island.

The MOD hoped both research projects would be running by the end of the year.

From 1952-58 the UK conducted atmospheric nuclear tests in Australia and at Malden Island and Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Some 28,000 UK Service personnel were involved in the testing programme.

Many veterans say they suffered health problems as a result of their exposure to radiation, leading to claims for compensation.

The British government has frequently denied there is any evidence of excess illness or mortality amongst the veterans which could be linked to their participation in the tests or exposure to resulting radiation.

- AAP