Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 March 2010. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Iraq: Depleted Uranium

Question: (2) what assessment he has made of claims that the incidence of (a) birth defects and (b) cancer has increased amongst residents of Fallujah as a result of the use of depleted uranium; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I will place in the Library a copy of the letter by the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) of 3 September 2009.The Department for International Development (DFID) has consulted a number of international and Iraqi organisations with expertise in the health sector in Fallujah about alleged increases in birth defects in Fallujah. These organisations have confirmed to DFID that they are not aware of any reliable data that show such an increase in birth defects. DFID is not aware of any reliable data that demonstrates an increase in cases of cancer in Fallujah and has not carried out an assessment.

Secondary information