§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of(a) the health risks and (b) actual health damage to people in Iraq arising from exposure to depleted uranium used for bombing. [143502]
§ Mr. HainThe Government are aware of claims of an increase in ill-health (including alleged deformities, cancers and birth defects) in southern Iraq, and that some have attributed this to the use of depleted uranium (DU)—based ammunition by UK and US forces during the Gulf conflict of 1991. The principal problem is lack of detailed information about the health situation not just in that area but throughout Iraq. However, we have encouraged the World Health Organisation to work with the Iraqis on a proper study—only then can particular problems be properly addressed.