§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent assessment he has made of the possible effects of depleted uranium exposure on service men and women; and if he will make a statement; [144107]
(2) what his policy is on testing of (a) current and (b) former service men and women for side effects associated with depleted uranium; and if he will make a statement. [144106]
§ Mr. CaplinThe scientific literature suggests there are no side effects uniquely associated with exposure to Depleted Uranium.
The Ministry of Defence's Biological Monitoring Policy (www.mod.uk/issuesidepleted_uranium/du_biomonitoring.htm) is to offer a urine test for uranium to all UK service and civilian personnel on current and future operations where DU has been used. This includes an isotope test 944W (which tests for the presence of DU) for those who may have had high exposures. Other tests will be carried out if clinically indicated.
Former service personnel are being offered a voluntary DU test under the auspices of the independent Depleted Uranium Oversight Board (DUOB). The first tests should begin in early 2004. If DUOB tests reveal detectable DU in the urine, follow-on epidemiological studies will be carried out. Depending on the outcome of these studies, further research may be commissioned.