Written question asked by Alasdair Morgan (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 24 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the progress being made in regard to the seabed containment of cluster bombs dropped by his Department in Luce Bay.

Answer: Mr. Alasdair Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress being made in regard to the sea bed containment of cluster bombs dropped by his Department in Luce bay. [135117] Mr. Spellar: Work on the sea bed containment of the cluster bombs released in Luce bay began on 31 August 2000. The manufacture of the RENO mattresses at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at West Freugh is now complete. The frames to which the mattresses will be attached have been delivered and tested. The associated equipment, including a barge and crane, required for the deployment of these mattresses is in place. Two of the 12 locations of the cluster bombs have been successfully covered and work on the containment of a third site has commenced. Progress, however, has been hampered in recent weeks by severe weather conditions. To complete the work a two-week period of good weather conditions is required.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 355 c466W; 135117
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Bombs Weapons Testing Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Luce Bay
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk