HC Deb 14 November 1991 vol 198 cc669-70W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what health and safety guidelines have been issued to those service personnel whose duties will bring them into contact with depleted uranium;

(2) what information has been given to service personnel deployed in Kuwait about the health and safety risks involved in clearing depleted uranium munitions;

(3) what steps he has taken to minimise the health and safety risks associated with the clearance of depleted uranium munitions.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Existing service procedures and instructions cover the health and safety aspects of the handling, transport and storage of ammunition containing depleted uranium. In addition, specific advice on the detection and clearance of depleted uranium was provided to British forces involved in clearing ordnance in Kuwait.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his assessment of the health and safety risks resulting from(a) the chemical toxicity of depleted uranium and(b) the radioactivity generated by depleted uranium.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The explanatory memorandum on anti-armour ammunition with depleted uranium penetrators which was placed in the Library of the House in March 1979 makes it clear that depleted uranium has a chemical toxicity similar to that of lead and is a material of low radioactivity. The properties of depleted uranium have been taken into account in the procedures adopted for its transport, handling and storage.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received from the Atomic Energy Authority regarding the health risks associated with the use of depleted uranium during the Gulf conflict.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Ministry of Defence has a copy of a commercially produced, theoretical appraisal by Atomic Energy Authority Technology of the possible consequences of the use during hostilities in the Gulf of ammunition containing depleted uranium. The assessment of the situation in Kuwait is a matter for the Kuwait Government. Her Majesty's Government have not received a request for assistance with the production of such an assessment.