Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 November 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 12 November 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what communications have taken place between his Department and operational commanders involved in military actions in Afghanistan in respect of the clear labelling of yellow cluster bombs and yellow food parcels; and what plans there are to halt the use of cluster bombs by the Allied coalition forces involved in operations in Afghanistan.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications have taken place between his Department and operational commanders involved in military actions in Afghanistan in respect of the clear labelling of yellow cluster bombs and yellow food parcels; and what plans there are to halt the use of cluster bombs by the Allied coalition forces involved in operations in Afghanistan. [14265] Mr. Ingram: We are in close touch with the US on all aspects of the response to the 11 September attacks, including at the military planning level. I understand that the US authorities have recognised that there is a problem with bomblets from cluster bombs and food parcels both being yellow. They have, therefore, dropped leaflets with diagrams of the two explaining which should be approached and which avoided. Cluster bombs are legitimate weapons that have not been prohibited by any treaty or convention. There are no plans to halt their use against legitimate terrorist and military targets.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14265; 374 c522W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Armed conflict Bombs Food Labelling Parcels Military alliances Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk