HL Deb 22 April 2002 vol 634 cc3-4WA
Lord Campbell of Croy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether depleted uranium was contained in shells or other missiles used by the allies in the Gulf War, in addition to those used in anti-tank weapons. [HL3699]

Lord Bach

During the Gulf War, the Royal Navy was equipped with the Vulcan Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), an anti-missile defence system which used 20mm depleted uranium (DU) rounds. Rounds from this weapon were fired but purely for proving purposes and not during hostilities.

The US Navy also deployed Vulcan Phalanx CIWS. Some DU shells were fired in response to the launch of a shore-based anti-ship missile.

No other weapons containing DU were used by the allies in the Gulf War, apart from anti-tank weapons.