§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What health and safety guidance they have issued to servicemen when in the vicinity of Iraq tanks that have been destroyed by ordnance containing depleted uranium. [HL3132]
§ Lord BachI refer the noble Baroness to the answer my right honourable friend the Minister for the Armed Forces (Adam Ingram) gave to the honourable Member for Blaenau Gwent (Llew Smith) in another place on 11 April 2003 (Official Report, Commons, col. 421W).
Safety instructions covering all aspects of the hazard management of DU munitions in theatre were issued through the operational chain of command by the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ). These can be found on the Ministry of Defence Internet site at http://www.mod.uk/issues/depleted uranium/gulf safety instructions.htm.
§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the guidance issued to servicemen when in the vicinity of Iraq tanks that have been destroyed by ordnance containing depleted uranium varies from that given to United States servicemen; and, if so, how. [HL3133]
§ Lord BachSafety guidance for our personnel reflects the specific requirements of United Kingdom government policy and statutory obligations contained within UK and EU regulations. Informal discussions between UK and US officials suggest that broadly similar arrangements exist for ensuring the safety of those who might encounter depleted uranium munitions debris.