HC Deb 07 February 1995 vol 254 cc171-2W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what research is being conducted by the British Government into improved methods of humanitarian mine clearance.

Mr. Baldry

We are currently evaluating proposals from the Defence Research Agency, whose technological expertise may be able to improve the means of mine detection. If successful, these proposals could be a major step forward in dealing with the various land mine problems around the world.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) mechanised or (b) other methods of humanitarian mine clearance are available.

Mr. Baldry

There a number of methods of mechanical mine clearance, including flails, ploughs, rollers and hard-wheeled vehicles. Other methods of mine clearance include detection by trained mine clearance teams using hand-held locators, or dog teams.