HL Deb 05 February 1996 vol 569 c7WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to their Written Answers of 6 February 1995 (WA 2) and 22 January 1996 (WA 52), what advice they have sought or received as to whether the use of shells containing 3-inch steel darts (or flechettes) contravenes international humanitarian law; and why they have not supported the protests made by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) against such use by the Israeli Army in Lebanon, killing and injuring UN soldiers and civilians.

Lord Chesham:

Whether the use of flechette rounds contravenes international humanitarian law depends on the circumstances of each case. We deplore the use of such weapons where they arc excessively injurious or have indiscriminate effects, in particular where they cause casualties among the civilian population or a neutral force such as UNIFIL. We support UN Security Council statements condemning all acts of violence in South Lebanon.