HC Deb 02 February 2001 vol 362 c311W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which aircraft in service with the armed forces use depleted uranium for ballast; and if he will make a statement. [148349]

Mr. Spellar

The following aircraft contain depleted uraniumTristar—elevator and rudder balance weights are made from depleted uranium. C130—elevator counterbalance weights are made from depleted uranium. Wessex—a small number of Wessex helicopters in MOD museuMs and training schools are fitted with depleted uranium ballast weights on their main rotor blade tips.

We are continuing to investigate whether depleted uranium is also present in Gazelle helicopter tail rotor tip weights. I will write to the hon. Member to advise him of the outcome of this work.