Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 22 March 2001 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 damage done to the depleted uranium monitoring rig located offshore at the testing range at Dundrennan. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the damage done to the depleted uranium monitoring rig located offshore at the testing range at Dundrennan. [154199] Dr. Moonie: The test rig housing the depleted uranium samples was damaged during winter storms. The most likely cause of this damage were the chains securing the buoys marking the rig which impacted repeatedly with the main body of the rig during unexpectedly high sea states. In all some 20.76kg of depleted uranium, the equivalent of four projectiles, were lost and, if not recovered, it is expected that the material will oxidise and disperse in exactly the same way as rounds fired into the Solway Firth from the Kirkcudbright range. The ongoing comprehensive environmental monitoring programme continues to confirm no uranium above naturally occurring background levels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 154199; 365 c300W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Ammunition Monitoring Seas and oceans Depleted uranium Firing ranges Kirkcudbright Training Area
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk