§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new technology his Department is developing to assist in the clearance of landmines from the Falkland Islands. [39358]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Ministry of Defence is not developing any technology aimed specifically at clearance of landmines from the Falkland Islands. Various systems which could potentially be used for such a purpose in the future are, however, under development.
MOD sponsors a considerable amount of research into sensors and countermine technologies in support of the military requirement to breach minefields under operational conditions, as well as to open up and clear routes in support of military operations. Some of these, such as Ground Penetrating Radar, are not yet mature enough for military use.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of landmines remaining on the Falkland Islands. [39421]
§ Dr. ReidLandmines were used in the Falklands by our forces during the 1982 conflict, and in its aftermath. One British anti-personnel landmine remains unaccounted for although every effort has been made to clear our devices.
We have no reliable figure for the number of Argentine mines in the Falklands. Our best current estimate is that some 18,000 Argentine mines and similar devices of various types were laid, including some 14,000 anti-personnel landmines. About 1,400 Argentine mines were cleared following the conflict, before work was suspended after a number of serious injuries to clearance personnel.
65WRemaining minefields, or areas where it is suspected that mines might be, have been marked and fenced. These areas are monitored regularly to ensure that remaining mines present no danger to civilian or military personnel on the Islands.