Written question asked by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 January 1996. It was answered by Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Conservative) on Monday, 15 January 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: If he will list the de-mining equipment possessed by his Department. - List given.

Answer: Dr. David Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the de-mining equipment possessed by his Department. [8988] Mr. Arbuthnot: The primary requirement of the armed forces is to clear a path through minefield obstacles rather than to clear whole minefields. The following types of equipment are held by the United Kingdom armed forces to meet this requirement: Mineploughs Scatterable Mine Clearance Device Giant Viper (explosive hose) MIMIC (countermeasure for magnetic influence mines) Hand held mine detectors Prodders and hand held tools Mine and route markers Wheelbarrow (remote control vehicle). Where mines have been located and marked for subsequent clearance, disposal is usually carried out using a standard demolition charge. In certain circumstances, small arms fire is used.

Secondary information