Written question asked by Baroness Michie of Gallanach (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 1 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 February 2000. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Friday, 11 February 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what technology his Department is developing to assist in the clearance of anti-personnel landmines; what research and development work has been funded by his Department since May 1997 into anti-personnel landmines clearance devices.

Answer: Mrs. Ray Michie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what technology his Department is developing to assist in the clearance of anti-personnel land mines; [108630] (2) what research and development work has been funded by his Department since May 1997 into anti- personnel land mines clearance devices. [108631] Dr. Moonie: Since May 1997 my Department has conducted research into the following mine detection technologies for military purposes: Ground penetrating radar Polarised thermal imaging Metal detection Quadruple resonance Ultra-wide band radar Ultra-wide bank synthetic aperture radar Research is also being conducted on the following technologies for the neutralisation of mines for military purposes: Projectile attack Shaped charge attack Lasers Pyrotechnic torch Disruptors Mechanical extraction. We are also conducting research toward a vehicle-based route clearance system; the removal of anti-personnel land mines might be an aspiration for a later enhancement of this system. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency have recently developed a pyrotechnic torch, commercially known as the Fireant, to destroy anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines once they have been located. This is currently being trialled on operations.

Secondary information