Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 22 January 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out the reason for the year-by-year variation in the testing of depleted uranium shells since 1995. - Inc ref to 19 June 2000, 352 c27W.

Answer: Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the reason for the year-by-year variation in the testing of depleted uranium shells since 1995. [145297] Mr. Spellar: I will assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Morgan) on 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 27W. The 120 mm anti-armour round Challenger Armament 3 (CHARM 3) for Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank was in development at the beginning of this period and was the only ammunition with DU content being fired at Kirkcudbright ranges. Firing peaked in 1997 with a Biases Trial to establish weapon system accuracy. Most of the subsequent firing was part of the proofing regime for production rounds that will be complete by September 2001.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 361 c418W;361 c419W; 145297
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Ammunition Testing Depleted uranium Firing ranges Kirkcudbright Training Area
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk