Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 11 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 January 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for further procurements of cluster bombs, indicating the (a) type, (b) cost and (c) manufacturer involved; how many cluster bombs, and of what tonnage, are held by British armed services; and what is their current value.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for further procurements of cluster bombs, indicating the (a) type, (b) cost and (c) manufacturer involved; [145466] (2) how many cluster bombs, and of what tonnage, are held by British armed services; and what is their current value. [145467] Dr. Moonie: There are currently no plans to procure any further cluster bombs. Stockholdings of munitions are held at an authorised War Reserve stock figure. Details of the precise numbers of weapons held in stock could provide a potential adversary with information that could undermine our defence capabilities. This information is therefore withheld in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Secondary information