MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT, PORTON

HC Deb 18 July 1968 vol 768 cc1659-61

Q1. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of their recently instituted programme, involving the use of enzymes in therapeutic techniques, and their other work related to the potential improvement of health, he will now transfer responsibility for the Microbiological Research Establishment at Porton from the Secretary of State for Defence to the Minister of Health.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

These matters are of course kept under review, Sir. But in the Government's view the present balance of argument favours the existing arrangements.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Prime Minister aware that some of us are shaken by the statement attributed to the Secretary of State for Defence after his visit to Porton on Tuesday by helicopter, that he now knows a lot of things about C.B.W. and Porton that he did not know before and that no one had told him before? If this is so, how is it that my hon. Friends and I have been given a stream of Answers to our hundred or so Questions which amount to assurances ever since February? Is it not painfully clear that the decision to keep Porton under the Ministry of Defence was in fact taken at a time when senior members of the Cabinet were not aware of all the facts?

Mr. Speaker

Questions must be reasonably brief.

The Prime Minister

I would have thought that, whenever a visit of this kind takes place, something is learned from it. All that was needed to take this decision was known. All that had to be known was known when this decision was taken. As I have said, we are keeping it under review. There might well be a case for transfer in the future. I am not closing the door to that at all.

Dr. Miller

In view of the very nature of the experimentation and explorations which are being carried out at this establishment, and taking into consideration the fact that it is purely defensive, would it not be safer, more efficient and eminently more sensible that it be transferred to the Ministry of Health?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that necessarily follows from the nature of the work which is done there. I repeat that this matter can be reviewed from time to time, and will be.