Written question asked by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative) on Monday, 28 February 2011.

Falkland Islands: Minefields

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many casualties have occurred in demining units from mine clearance operations in the Falkland Islands; and how many civilian or other casualties have resulted from accidental mine explosions since 1983 in the Falkland Islands.

Answer: There were 10 mine or unexploded ordnance casualties in 1982 after the cessation of hostilities. Of these, one was killed clearing a booby-trapped missile. Of the remainder, three were listed with serious leg or hand injuries and six casualties were not listed. There were two incidents resulting in soldiers being listed for serious leg injuries in 1983. One civilian de-miner received a superficial facial injury during the 2009-10 pilot project. No further civilian or other casualties have resulted from accidental mine explosions since 1983.

Secondary information