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 Lord Moonie (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, pursuant to his Answer of 29th October, Official Report, column 519W, which categories of nuclear weapons contain depleted uranium; and what the purpose is of including depleted uranium in these weapons. - Includes fact that the UK Trident warheads for our nuclear deterrent contain depleted uranium. The purpose of this material is ultimately associated with the functioning of the warhead and the details are classified. For this reason I am withholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 October 2001, Official Report, column 519W, which categories of nuclear weapons contain depleted uranium; and what the purpose is of including depleted uranium in these weapons. [14271] Dr. Moonie: The UK Trident warheads for our nuclear deterrent contain depleted uranium. The purpose of this material is ultimately associated with the functioning of the warhead and the details are classified. For this reason I am withholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Secondary information