§ Lord Beaumont of Whitleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they have taken to account for the DU (depleted uranium) missing after the Boeing 747 crash in Essex in December 1999; and what steps they have taken to meet the fears of nearby inhabitants as to effects similar to those of Gulf War Syndrome. [HL635]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)Sixteen of the 20 depleted uranium counterweights from the Korean B747 crash site have been recovered. A radiological survey of the crash site is being conducted and it is expected that this will lead to the recovery of the others. It has been established from the condition of the recovered counterweights and the evidence of the fire damage that there has been no airborne dispersal of uranium from the crash site. Nearby inhabitants therefore have nothing to fear on this account.
I understand that newsletters are being provided to address the concerns of local people by the Essex County Council Emergency Planning Department. The recent meeting of the Airport Consultative Committee was opened to the public to provide an opportunity for the local people to voice their concerns and ask questions, and I understand that the Airport Operator is organising further public meetings in the area.