§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies or tests are currently being undertaken by or on behalf of the MOD into non-radioactive or contaminating substitutes for depleted uranium weapons and armour; and if he will make a statement. [95964]
§ Mr. SpellarMOD has for many years conducted research into a range of weapon and armour materials and designs. Depleted uranium provides a significant margin of operational effectiveness over other materials when employed in certain weapon systems. Research continues98W to include the search for potential alternatives to depleted uranium and to identify and characterise their performance and environmental impact.