Written question asked by Alasdair Morgan (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 27 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if test firing of DU shells at the Dundrennan range is exempt from regulation under the Ionising Radiations Regulations. - Inc ref to 361 c419W.

Answer: Mr. Alasdair Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if test firing of DU shells at the Dundrennan range is exempt from regulation under the Ionising Radiations Regulations. [151847] Mr. Spellar: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave, in relation to the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, to the Member for Ceridigion (Mr. Thomas) on 22 January 2001, Official Report, column 419W. The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 contain some specific exemptions relating to the Ministry of Defence and military activities, but these have not been invoked in the case of DU firing. It is, moreover, our policy that, where UK statutory regulations are not applicable, we undertake by agreement with the Government Departments concerned that the principles and spirit of the regulations are to be followed, and arrangements introduced will be, so far as is reasonably practicable, at least as good as those required by legislation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 151847; 364 c507W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Ammunition Exemptions Regulation Testing Uranium Firing ranges Kirkcudbright Training Area
Legislation: Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk