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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops and medical auxiliaries have been subject to exposure to depleted uranium from NATO and allied forces in (a) Iraq, (b) Kuwait, (c) Bosnia, (d) Kosovo and (e) other parts of the Balkans, arising from military conflicts in those areas in the last five years. [145292] Mr. Spellar: There is no evidence of which the Ministry of Defence is aware to suggest that any allied or NATO troops or civilians have suffered any exposure to depleted uranium that might be harmful. No specific data exist on individuals' possible exposure to depleted uranium, either in the Gulf or the Balkans. However, in recognition of the fact that recent press coverage will have caused some concerns among our people, I announced an initiative to identify an additional appropriate voluntary screening programme for our Service personnel and civilians who have served in the Balkans--9 January 2001, Official Report, columns 877-90. We will do this on the basis of the best available science. We will consult appropriate national bodies including the UK National Screening Committee of the UK Departments of Health and the Royal Society. It is our intention that this screening programme should be equally applicable to Gulf veterans.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

361 c417W;361 c418-9W; 145292

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Ammunition Armed forces Contamination Iraq-Kuwait conflict Screening Balkans NATO Depleted uranium Veterans

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk