§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what advice will be given to returning Kosovan refugees and what precautions will be taken to protect them from contamination from depleted uranium in the region consequent on its use in ordnance and missiles; [86743]
(2) what special equipment has been issued to service and other personnel in the former Yugoslavia to minimise the risk of contamination from depleted uranium; what other precautions were taken; what guidance was given to commanders; and if he will make a statement. [86741]
§ Mr. George Robertson[holding answer 14 June 1999]The UNHCR is the lead agency responsible for the return of the refugees to their homeland. It will be for them to provide such advice as they judge to be necessary on the hazards which returning refugees may face.
Although we believe that the health risks to our personnel from the use of depleted uranium ammunition in the Gulf War were very small we are making available to the UNHCR the March 1999 paper produced by the MOD's Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit in respect of testing for the presence of depleted uranium in UK veterans of that conflict. This contains detailed material which we believe may be of use to the UNHCR.
As far as Service personnel are concerned, appropriate guidance is given to them on dealing with any potential hazards from depleted uranium which they might encounter in Kosovo. As a precaution, this guidance includes advice to wear respiratory protection and gloves when contact with vehicles damaged by depleted uranium ammunition is unavoidable. UK forces in theatre have been issued with the appropriate range of NBC clothing and equipment.