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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Dr. Jack Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the firing of depleted uranium projectiles first took place at Eskmeals; whether such tests have been discontinued; what independent environmental monitoring takes place at this site; if the results are published; and if he will make a statement. [144772] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 11 January 2001]: Depleted uranium 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 MOD's Directorate of Proof and Experimental Establishments) during the period between March 1981 and September 1995 when firing ceased. Extensive environmental monitoring has been carried out and annual reports produced since the start of the firing programme, originally by the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston. In 1993 WS Atkins Ltd. were commissioned to produce an independent Environmental Impact Assessment for DERA Eskmeals. The report of the assessment concluded that activities at the site produced a negligible impact on the local environment. It also made certain recommendations which were subsequently adopted for the ongoing environmental monitoring programme, now overseen by the DERA Radiation Protection Services. Copies of the annual reports of this monitoring programme are placed in the Members' Library at the House of Commons and are circulated to local councils, MPs, and Environmental Protection Agencies.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

361 c43-4W; 144772

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Ammunition Health hazards Radioactive materials Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Depleted uranium Firing ranges Eskmeals

Link

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