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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Dr. Jack Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) guns and (b) gun barrels used for the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Eskmeals have been removed to another range not licensed for the testing of depleted uranium; who authorised such transfers; whether this complied with health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement. [16885] Dr. Moonie: I believe my right hon. Friend may be referring to two Challenger 2 tank gun barrels used for test firing depleted uranium (DU) ammunition at the Kirkcudbright training area, but stored at the QinetiQ Eskmeals range. These were transferred on 6 November to the firing range at Shoeburyness, for test firing of non-DU ammunition, to support a Challenger 2 tank safety trial to determine acceptable limits of gun barrel erosion. The transfer was carried out by QinetiQ. A risk assessment by the radiation protection adviser showed that the levels of DU in the two barrels were so low and the DU so inaccessible that the material is not a radioactive substance within the meaning of the Ionising Radiation Regulations. These are the regulations that protect workers and members of the public who maybe exposed to ionising radiation and radioactive material from work activities.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

375 c513-4W;375 c515-6W; 16885

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Ammunition Health hazards Radiation exposure Radioactive materials Depleted uranium Firing ranges Kirkcudbright Training Area Eskmeals

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk