HL Deb 21 July 1994 vol 557 cc50-2WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any insecticides, fungicides or insect repellents were used on British troops, their clothing, bedding or accommodation during their engagement in the Gulf War, and if so what were the active ingredients.

Lord Henley

The information requested is provided in the table below.

Preparation Use on personnel Use on clothing Use on bedding Use on/in accommodation
Pyrethrum—Spray cans of standard NATO issued pyrethroid "knock-down" insecticide were available but little used
Fungicides A range of proprietary therapeutic fungicides (creams, etc.) were available to treat fungal infections Nil use Nil use Canvas tentage is treated during manufacture with pentachlorophenyl laureate (PCPL) to inhibit fungal decay
Insect repellents DEET (diethyl toluamide)— Was available for use on skin Nil use Nil use Nil use
1 All insectides have Health and Safety Executive approval and were used only by trained and competent personnel.