Written question asked by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 14 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 March 2002. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Thursday, 21 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her Answer of 13th March 2002, 381 c1228W on cluster bombs, what estimates she has received from UNMAS of the number of (a) cluster bombs used and (b) unexploded bomblets located at the sites where cluster bombs were used in Afghanistan. - Inc figures.

Answer: Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2002 ref. 40655 on cluster bombs, what estimates she has received from UNMAS on the number of (a) cluster bombs used and (b) unexploded bomblets located at the sites where cluster bombs were used in Afghanistan. [44391] Clare Short: UNMAS estimate that 1,152 Cluster Bomb Units have been used in Afghanistan. (b) UNMAS estimate that there are up to 14,000 unexploded bomblets as a result. The accuracy of this estimate cannot be confirmed until more clearance work is undertaken and/or actual weapons used and target information is received from the Coalition.

Secondary information