§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 July 1993,Official Report, column 80, whether the testing of depleted uranium-tipped shells is covered by his policy of not revealing the costs of nuclear testing.
§ Mr. AitkenNo. Depleted uranium (DU) is not a fissile material and is used for armour-piercing projectiles because of its high density and mechanical properties. Ammunition natures which incorporate DU cannot be regarded as nuclear weapons, do not form part of the defence nuclear programme, and it is not sensible to link their testing with the testing of nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received since 28 July from(a) serving members of the armed forces, (b) retired service people and (c) members of the public who fear they are suffering (i) from the alleged Desert Storm syndrome or (ii) from the effects of testing missiles tipped with depleted uranium at sites in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. HanleySince 28 July my Department have received one representation from an ex-soldier who alleges he is suffering from Desert Storm syndrome. He has been advised to consult his general practitioner in the first instance with a view to referring the case to the defence medical services.