§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to monitor the(a) short, (b) medium and (c) long-term effects of depleted uranium upon service personnel in Afghanistan. [33508]
§ Mr. IngramThere are at present no indications that United Kingdom personnel serving in Afghanistan are exposed to a hazard from depleted uranium. It has not been used by coalition forces in recent operations. In the event that we assess that there is a risk of exposure that18W might be hazardous to health, guidance will be issued on measures to protect health, and if necessary we will introduce biological monitoring on a voluntary basis for individuals who are exposed to such a risk. Short-term monitoring of individuals' health is undertaken as a matter of course.