HC Deb 27 July 1993 vol 229 cc819-20W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what year the V J battery for the testing of radioactive shells were first constructed in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Aitken

The current VJ battery was constructed between 1979 and 1980.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those sites within the United Kingdom where radioactive shells have been tested in the last 30 years.

Mr. Aitken

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to anti-armour kinetic energy penetrator rounds containing depleted uranium. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger) on 14 June,Official Report, columns 474–75.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what year the testing of radioactive shells was first undertaken within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Aitken

I assume the hon. Member is referring to anti-armour kinetic energy penetrator rounds containing depleted uranium, DU. DU firings in the United Kingdom began with a small research programme at Eskmeals starting in 1963.