Written question asked by Lynne Jones (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

White Phosphorus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2005, Official Report, column 1682W, to the right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), on white phosphorus, what is considered a safe distance between deployed white phosphorus and non-combatants; and what attention is paid in assessing such a safe distance to wind direction and force.

Answer: As I said in my answer of 12 December 2005, our armed forces go to great lengths to ensure that civilians and non-combatants are not harmed during operations; guidelines issued to British military personnel on the use of white phosphorus emphasise that it should not be deployed as an anti-personnel weapon. Commanders in the field draw upon training guidance relating to precautions to be taken in relation to our own forces when considering safe distances between deployed white phosphorus and non-combatants. The direction and force of wind have little effect on the dispersion of white phosphorus upon impact but are taken into account when calculating the passage of a round in flight.I am withholding information about safe distances as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our forces.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 443 c35W;443 c35W; 49275
Session: 2005-06
Related items: White Phosphorus
Monday, 12 December 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Safety White phosphorus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk