§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what is his policy on the use of depleted uranium and cluster bombs by British forces; and if he will make a statement. [85351]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 9 June 1999]It is our policy to use cluster bombs in circumstances where there is a military requirement to do so, and our normal 393W criteria for minimising collateral damage can be satisfied. Cluster bombs are the most effective weapon available against concentrations of armoured and soft-skinned vehicles, artillery, anti-aircraft artillery or fielded forces. In the current conflict in the Balkans, cluster bombs are being used against specific, identified military targets and a high level of accuracy is being achieved.
Depleted uranium weapons are not weapons of mass and indiscriminate destruction. They are ammunition designed specifically to penetrate tank armour on the battlefield and do not have effects on the wider population. Their use is not prohibited under any international agreements, including the Geneva Conventions.
DU-based ammunition have not been used by UK forces during military operations against Iraq since the 1990–1991 Gulf conflict; neither have they been used by UK forces in recent operations in the Balkans. Nevertheless, if the operational situation and the safety of UK troops required such a capability, DU-based ammunition would be deployed and used.