Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat). It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Monday, 22 February 2010.

Afghanistan: Improvised Explosive Devices

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether British troops in Afghanistan have the same equipment for detecting improvised explosive devices as their NATO allies in the International Security Assistance Force.

Answer: My Lords, first, I am sure that the whole House will wish to join me in offering sincere condolences to the families and friends of Private Sean McDonald of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Corporal Johnathan Moore of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Warrant Officer Class 2 David Markland of 36 Engineer Regiment, Lance Corporal Darren Hicks of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Rifleman Mark Marshall of 6th Battalion The Rifles, Kingsman Sean Dawson of 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Sapper Guy Mellors of 36 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Douglas Dalzell of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and Lance Sergeant David Walker of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who were killed on operations recently in Afghanistan. I turn now to the Question. For operational security reasons, I cannot comment in detail on the equipment used by UK Armed Forces and our allies to detect improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. A range of technologically advanced equipment is in service, including metal detectors and explosive ordnance disposal robots, to ensure that our troops can operate.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 717 c807
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Defence equipment Bomb disposal Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan ISAF Improvised explosive devices
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk