HC Deb 02 April 2003 vol 402 cc737-8W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what depleted uranium munitions have been used by coalition forces in Iraq; and what steps are being taken to clean up the toxic and radiological pollution arising from their use. [105544]

Mr. Ingram

At this stage in the conflict, we are unable to give precise details of what depleted uranium (DU) munitions have been used by coalition forces in Iraq. The British Army's Challenger II tanks have been firing their 120 mm DU anti-tank rounds, but I am unable to comment on DU munitions belonging to United States forces.

It is not feasible to clean up DU residue in the midst of a war zone. The post-conflict administrators of Iraq will be responsible for monitoring DU levels in the environment, and cordoning off and decontaminating sites of penetrator impacts. The United Kingdom has a long tradition of providing practical and financial help in such situations.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK nationals are suspected to be fighting for Iraqi armed forces, terrorist groups or militias; how many UK nationals have recently been captured or detained in Iraq and are suspected of being a member of the Iraqi armed forces terrorist groups or militias; whether those captured or detained are being held as prisoners of war; whether they will face criminal charges under UK law; and if he will make a statement. [106061]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 31 March 2003]: I can confirm that as of today, contrary to media reports, we have no record of any United Kingdom nationals having been detained as Prisoners of War by coalition forces. Captured members of the Iraqi armed forces will be treated as Prisoners of War. Should this include British nationals, such persons will also be afforded proper protection under the Geneva Conventions.

The Ministry of Defence is not in a position to make an assessment of the numbers of United Kingdom nationals that may be fighting for Iraqi armed forces, terrorist groups or militias.

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place daily in the Library transcripts of press briefings by Coalition commanders at Centcom Media Centre in Qatar on the invasion of Iraq. [106412]

Dr. Moonie

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave on 5 March 2003,Official Report, column 1043W, to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin). A copy of daily press briefings by Coalition commanders at the Centcom media centre in Qatar can be viewed on the Ministry of Defence website www.operations.mod.uk/telic/statements.htm.

Back to