§ 13. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the Army is trained for microbiological warfare.
§ Mr. SoamesNo such training is given.
§ Mr. HughesWhat will the Minister do with the new Porton microbiological station which he has inherited? Is he aware that there appeared in the Daily Express a statement that he had struggled with the Minister of Defence for control of this microbiological place and that he had won? What will he do about it now?
§ Mr. SoamesI do not think that the hon. Member will expect me to comment on an article in the Daily Express. I know of no struggle over this establishment. It was not allied exclusively to any one Government Department, but in view of its defence interests and its administrative links with the Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment, it was considered appropriate that the War Office should be responsible for it. Its work will continue exactly the same as in the past.
§ Mr. PagetIs it within the right hon. Gentleman's knowledge that in Russia 496 considerable resources are being devoted to chemical warfare? Why are our people not being given training in this important new branch of warfare?
§ Mr. SoamesThe Question asked about microbiological and not chemical warfare.