§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research findings he has evaluated on the genetic effects of exposure to mustard gas; and what are the conclusions of this research. [4986]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThis is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
429WLetter from John Chisholm to Mrs. Margaret Ewing dated 8 December 1995:
Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what research findings have been evaluated regarding the genetic effects of exposure to mustard gas has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency which includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment as one of its divisions.The Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment has not carried out any research on the genetic effects of exposure to the chemical warfare agent Mustard gas nor has it evaluated any research findings relating to this subject.I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful.