§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated in the last five years into (i) the military utility and (ii) the effects of land mines; what proposals he has for future research on this subject; and if he will make a statement. [12760]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotMy Department has commissioned a number of studies into the military utility and effects of both anti-tank and anti-personnel land mines. Future such studies will be carried out as appropriate. Recent operational analysis has not identified any weapon system which could act as an effective alternative to anti-tank or anti-personnel land mines.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to answer the question of 29 January from the hon. Member for Leyton relating to land mines. [26268]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotToday.