HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 cc24-5W
Harry Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of chemical weapons are stored in the UK; whether Agent Orange has ever been(a) stored in the UK and (b) used by UK forces; and if he will make a statement. [145028]

Mr. Hoon

The United Kingdom gave up its offensive chemical weapons programmes in 1956. No chemical weapons are stored in the United Kingdom. However, from time to time old chemical weapons from the Second World War, and before, are recovered. These are taken to Dst1 Porton Down where they are declared to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and then destroyed in accordance with our obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The United Kingdom does not possess Agent Orange. As far as can be ascertained from historical records, it has never been used by UK forces and has not been stored in the UK.