Written question asked by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 13 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 February 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 26 February 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what premature explosions in the breech with depleted uranium ammunition have taken place at Dundrennan ranges; when they took place; and how and where the ensuing fragments were dumped.

Answer: Mr. Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what premature explosions in the breech with depleted uranium ammunition have taken place at Dundrennan ranges; when they took place; and how and where the ensuing fragments were dumped. [150941] Mr. Spellar: There have been no premature explosions in the breech with depleted uranium ammunition at the Kirkcudbright (Dundrennan) ranges. However, it is believed that there were some 79 occasions between 1983 and 1993 on which rounds partially broke up during firing. These were all at the Raeberry firing point, which is 180 metres from the cliff edge. In all cases, although some fragments hit the ground, the majority of the mass proceeded out to sea, a fact confirmed by radar and optical observations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 150941; 363 c559W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Ammunition Waste disposal Depleted uranium Firing ranges Kirkcudbright Training Area
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk