HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 c291W
Mr. Walter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of post-war health and environmental issues arising as a result of the employment of depleted uranium weapons in the recent conflict with Iraq. [116040]

Dr. Moonie

The Ministry of Defence welcomed the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) desk study on Iraq which commented on the use of depleted uranium weapons. The next step is for UNEP to conduct an in-depth survey of health and environmental issues. We look forward to this study and will do whatever we can to facilitate it.

Mr. Walter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) to what extent the recent conflict with Iraq has affected efforts to make safe and remove the remains of depleted uranium weapons employed in that region during the first Gulf War; [116041]

(2) what steps have been taken to remove and make safe depleted uranium weapons employed in the recent conflict with Iraq. [116039]

Dr. Moonie

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.