§ Lord Joplingasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress they are making in finding new ways of detecting landmines and thereby making land available again in underdeveloped countries. [HL1222]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)In December 1999, the Department for International Development invited proposals from UK based institutions and individuals for new ways of detecting and clearing landmines under the Mine Action Research Programme. Bids are currently being assessed and an announcement on whether any can be supported is expected in April.
Also, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency is examining which mine detecting technologies would be suitable for humanitarian demining. This work may lead to programmes such as a low cost portable mine detector.