Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 8 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, if he is considering the availability of cost-effective alternatives to depleted uranium munitions; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he is considering the availability of cost- effective alternatives to depleted uranium munitions; and if he will make a statement. [150216] Mr. Spellar: The Ministry of Defence has for many years conducted research into weapon and armour materials and designs. Research and consultation with allies continues to include the search for potential alternatives to depleted uranium and to identify and characterise their cost effectiveness and environmental impact. Depleted uranium still has a significant margin of operational effectiveness over alternative materials when employed in anti-armour weapon systems. In recent years, a new tungsten round has been developed for the Royal Navy's Phalanx close-in weapons systems that offers superior performance (anti-armour qualities are not important for this weapon system). So, since 1996, all replacement ammunition for the Phalanx system has been of the tungsten variety.

Secondary information