Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 20 April 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 April 1998. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made the number of landmines remaining on the Falkland Islands. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made the number of landmines remaining on the Falkland Islands. [39421] Dr. Reid: Landmines were used in the Falklands by our forces during the 1982 conflict, and in its aftermath. One British anti-personnel landmine remains unaccounted for although every effort has been made to clear our devices. We have no reliable figure for the number of Argentine mines in the Falklands. Our best current estimate is that some 18,000 Argentine mines and similar devices of various types were laid, including some 14,000 anti-personnel landmines. About 1,400 Argentine mines were cleared following the conflict, before work was suspended after a number of serious injuries to clearance personnel. Remaining minefields, or areas where it is suspected that mines might be, have been marked and fenced. These areas are monitored regularly to ensure that remaining mines present no danger to civilian or military personnel on the Islands.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 311 c64-5W; 39421
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Bomb disposal Landmines Falkland Islands Safety measures Argentina
Contains statistics: Yes