§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down drew up its strategy and proposed work programme for its research into Gulf War Syndrome; if this document has been approved by his Department; and if he will place a copy of this document in the Library. [38929]
§ Dr. ReidOutline proposals were drawn up at MOD's request by CBD Porton Down in May—July 1997 for a research programme into the possible health effects of the combination of vaccines and tablets given to troops in the Gulf to protect them against the threat of biological and chemical warfare. The proposals were described in the policy statement "Gulf Veterans Illnesses: A New Beginning" published on 14 July 1997.
The proposals were subsequently developed into a programme document and detailed protocols which were submitted to an Independent Panel established to oversee the programme, prior to its first meeting on 18 December 1997. Some modifications have been made to the research proposals in the light of advice received from the Panel and further advice is expected in due course on other aspects of the programme. The programme documentation is, therefore, evolving. Our intention is to agree with the 23W Panel a document summarising the revised programme and to place a copy in the Library of the House as soon as this has been done.