§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now review his policy regarding the release of details of the countermeasures taken against biological warfare agents by Her Majesty's armed forces during conflict. [40733]
§ Mr. SoamesThe protection of British personnel is our prime concern in times of conflict. Details of the medical countermeasures taken by the armed forces against biological warfare agents during conflicts, therefore, remain appropriately classified, in order to avoid informing potential adversaries of the UK's strengths and weaknesses in dealing with the threat of biological weapons. We are, however, considering whether any information can be released after conflicts have ended.