Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 25 January 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 methods used to contain, clean-up and immobilise depleted uranium particles fragmented by the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Eskmeals.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the methods used to contain, clean-up and immobilise depleted uranium particles fragmented by the test firing of depleted uranium shells at Eskmeals. [145286] Mr. Spellar: Depleted Uranium (DU) Charm projectiles were fired into a semi-enclosed butt at VJ Battery on the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range Eskmeals (formerly part of the Ministry of Defence's Directorate of Proof and Experimental Establishments) during the period between March 1981 and September 1995 when firing ceased. The methods used to contain, clean-up and immobilised depleted uranium particles fragmented by the test firing of such shells were in accordance with statutory regulations and were by the best practical means possible following consultation with the Health and Safety Executive. The Environment Agency was also kept informed of these measures throughout the period of the butt's use.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 145286; 361 c654W;361 c656W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Ammunition Health hazards Radioactive materials Depleted uranium Firing ranges Eskmeals
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk