Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 April 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) British and (b) Coalition forces have used (i) depleted uranium and (ii) cluster bombs in the war in Iraq; and in what circumstances. - Includes ref to 402 c737W, 2 April 2003 and 402 c1074-5, 3 April 2003.

Answer: Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) British and (b) coalition forces have used (i) depleted uranium and (ii) cluster bombs in the war in Iraq; and in what circumstances. [107195] Mr. Ingram: With regard to the use of depleted uranium munitions, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 2 April 2003, Official Report, column 737W to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Llew Smith). On the use of cluster bombs, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch) during his statement to the House on 3 April 2003, Official Report, column 1075. Cluster bombs have been used against targets for which they were the most appropriate available weapon and where they could be used in accordance with international law, including with the principles of proportionality and discrimination. I am unable to comment on the use of DU munitions and cluster bombs by other coalition forces.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 107195; 403 c139W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Ammunition Armed forces Armed conflict Bombs Iraq Iraq conflict Depleted uranium
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk