Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 11 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 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 his policy towards the (a) development and (b) use by British armed forces of thermobaric weapons.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his policy towards the (a) development and (b) use by British armed forces of thermobaric weapons. [145371] Dr. Moonie: The Ministry of Defence does not have any weapons based on `thermobaric' munitions in its inventory. However, such weapons exist and it would therefore be irresponsible not to keep developments in this field under review, not least to develop protective measures for our personnel. We have asked industry to consider how best to provide an anti-structure capability for use by the infantry in the urban environment. It is possible that this solution may involve using blast rather than fragmentation effects. Should we decide to acquire such a weapon, we would ensure that this was fully in accordance with international law and our treaty obligations.

Secondary information