§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy towards the future use of cluster weapons with particular regard to the clearing of unexploded weapons and bomblets and the protection of people from the danger of injury or death caused by such weapons or bomblets. [HL1490]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Cluster munitions are a legitimate weapon that provide a capability against certain targets which cannot be effectively achieved in other ways. We reserve the right to use the most suitable lawful weapon available in the proportionate manner required by international law. We are aware of concerns about the risk to civilians from unexploded cluster munitions. We will participate positively in discussions in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to explore options available to the international community to minimise this risk as part of the general problem of explosive remnants of war.