Written question asked by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 March 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 March 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of depleted uranium shells on (a) current and (b) former (i) personnel of his Department and (ii) soldiers; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the effect of depleted uranium shells on (a) current and (b) former (i) personnel of his Department and (ii) soldiers; and if he will make a statement. [222022] Mr. Caplin: The Depleted Uranium Oversight Board (DUOB), an independent committee established by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is measuring uranium in the urine of personnel who served in the first Gulf Conflict 1990-91 and in the Balkans Operations. This work includes personnel who have been discharged from service as well as those who are still serving. Similarly, under MOD's biological monitoring policy, the Defence Radiological Protection Service (DRPS) is assessing uranium in urine of both military personnel and MOD civilians on operations--including Operation Telic in Iraq--where there is potential for exposure. Depleted Uranium in urine is also being measured in a sample of personnel from across the battlefield as part of a wider study into the physical and psychological health of Operation Telic participants by King's College, London.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c781W; 222022
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Ammunition Armed forces Health hazards Radiation exposure Depleted uranium Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk