Written question asked by Linda Gilroy (Labour) on Monday, 12 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 February 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 February 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made with work to identify a voluntary screening programme for service personnel and civilians who have served in the Balkans and who are concerned about exposure to depleted uranium. (In library as Dep 01/266).

Answer: Mrs. Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with work to identify a voluntary screening programme for service personnel and civilians who have served in the Balkans and who are concerned about exposure to depleted uranium. [150464] Mr. Spellar: The first phase of work to identify a screening programme, which we intend should be equally applicable to Gulf veterans as to those who have served in the Balkans, has been completed. We are publishing today a consultative document setting out the technical issues associated with such a programme, inviting advice and comment in particular from a wide range of expert bodies. A copy of the consultative document is being placed in the Library of the House, and it will also be available on the MOD internet website. The next step in our work is to develop firm proposals for screening, taking into account the advice and comments we receive in response to the consultative document. Those proposals in turn will be the subject of wide consultation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 150464; 363 c87W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Ammunition Health hazards Radioactive materials Screening Balkans Depleted uranium
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk