§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soil samples from Iraq have been studied by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment; and how many of these samples show evidence of the use of chemical or biological weapons.
§ Mr. SoamesThis is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down under its 683W framework document. I have asked the chief executive, CBDE to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 2 March 1995:
QUESTION 12, 22 FEBRUARY 1995
1. Your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence of 22 February 1995 asking how many soil samples from Iraq have been studied by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment and how many of these samples show evidence of the
Site Date sample collected Date analysed No of samples Finding Triangle area northern Iraq November 1998 December 1998 3 All contained traces of CW agent, mustard and its decomposition products. Various sites in northern Iraq August 1992 September, October 1992 16 No traces of CW agent found. Birjinni northern Iraq1 June 1992 February 1992 12 Six samples from two bomb craters contained mustard and its decomposition products. Six samples from the other two bomb craters contained nerve agent decomposition products and one contained traces of the nerve agent, Sarin. 1 The bomb craters from which these samples were taken resulted from an attack in 1988; the samples were over four years old when CBDE carried out its analysis. 4. CBDE has also played a key role in assisting the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) on Iraq. Over 200 soil samples were analysed by CBDE staff in Iraq and a few at CBDE in support of inspections of the Muthanna site and of another site in Iraq. These analyses were not carried out to determine if chemical or biological weapons had been used.