Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Thursday, 13 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 May 1999. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Monday, 24 May 1999 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral Answer of 12th May, Official Report, column 309, for what reasons the Government has made no assessment of the effect of depleted uranium on the water supply, and water-table and on the health of the civilian population in Iraq. - (Holding answer 18 May 1999).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 May 1999, Official Report, column 309, for what reasons the Government have made no assessment of the effect of depleted uranium on the water supply, and water-table and on the health of the civilian population in Iraq. [84579] The Prime Minister: [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The Government have not seen any peer-reviewed epidemiological research data to support the claims that there has been an increase in ill-health in southern Iraq, attributed to the use of depleted uranium based ammunition by coalition forces during the 1990-1991 conflict. The Government understand however that the World Health Organisation is in discussion with the Government of Iraq about proposals to improve health care in Iraq. The proposals--which are still at the outline stage--will only be developed into more detailed documents if the Iraqi Government decide to take the proposals forward.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 84579; 332 c12W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Ammunition Bombings Civilians Health hazards Iraq Water supply Depleted uranium World Health Organization