Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 May 2001. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the Minister for the Environment's oral statement of 23rd April 2001, 367 c32, if he will initiate an immediate study into (a) the formation of dioxins due to combustion of chlorinated compounds in carcases burnt by napalm and (b) the formation of poly-aromatic hydro-carbons due to reactions involving naptha compounds in napalm. - (Holding answer 27 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the Minister for the Environment's oral statement of 23 April 2001, Official Report, column 32, if he will initiate an immediate study into (a) the formation of dioxins due to combustion of chlorinated compounds in carcases burnt by napalm and (b) the formation of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons due to reactions involving naphtha compounds in napalm. [159231] Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 27 April 2001]: The chemical reactions from burning napalm are already well understood. Napalm is therefore not being used to burn carcases, as both forms of napalm available produce very toxic compounds when they burn.

Secondary information