§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to make available full details of experiments at Porton Down to the relatives of former participants in those experiments who are now deceased; and if he will make a statement. [96720]
§ Mr. SpellarA dedicated 'Porton Down Volunteers Helpline' was set up in February 1998 to deal with inquiries from former service volunteers, or their relatives, wishing to obtain information about the experiments in which they participated. Following an inquiry, all the information held in the Porton Down records relating to the volunteers' attendance at Porton Down, together with an explanation of the type of tests in which they participated, is made available. The amount of information held can vary, depending on the type of test and when it took place. Former volunteers or their relatives are invited to visit Porton Down if they wish to examine the records for themselves and discuss their experiences with scientific staff.
Anyone wishing to contact the Helpline should write to Porton Down Volunteers, Room 37/Building 106, DERA Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SB4 OJQ. Alternatively, they can telephone them on 0845 603 9140.