§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent volunteers in the service volunteers programme at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, are informed before experiments of the possible long-term health effects of the chemical or chemical agent which is to be tested on them; and when this practice was introduced. [37621]
Mr. Arbutnot[holding answer 16 July 1996]: This 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.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 22 July 1996:
86WI have been asked to reply to your question concerning the information provided to service volunteers about possible health effects from participation in studies at Porton Down. The Chemical
- Building N161
- HM Naval Base
- Devonport
- Plymouth
- PL1 4SL
Although the establishment of Defence Mail Centres was part of the Mail 2000 plan, the centres themselves are correctly known as Defence Mail Centres, without reference to Mail 2000.I hope this information is helpful.