§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's officials are employed to conduct the comprehensive survey of the service volunteer programme at the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down announced on 1 May; from which branches of his Department these officials are drawn; and what the total budget is for the survey. [990]
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§ Dr. MoonieThe historical survey is currently being undertaken by a Principal (Grade B2) working for the Gulf Veterans Illness Unit. The historical survey is financed through the Gulf Veterans Illnesses Unit and has no fixed budget.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what aspect of the comprehensive survey of the service volunteer programme at the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, announced on 1 May will be conducted in public. [1002]
§ Dr. MoonieThe historical survey of the Porton Down volunteer programme will gather information from available documentary source material and recollections from former volunteers. The survey is expected to report in the summer of 2002 and the findings will be published.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the correspondence from the Medical Research Council confirming that the Council is looking at the feasibility of carrying out an independent epidemiological study of Porton Down volunteers. [988]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Medical Research Council has agreed that an epidemiological study of Porton Down Veterans is feasible. Confirmation of this can be found in the advertisements placed by the Medical Research Council in the scientific press on 21 and 23 June 2001, inviting expressions of interest from the research community.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel who took part in experiments at the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, have been referred to the Medical Assessment Programme since 21 November 2000; and how many of these have been seen by the Medical Assessment Programme. [999]
§ Dr. MoonieDuring the period 21 November 2000 to 27 June 2001, 78 former Porton Down volunteers have been referred to the Medical Assessment Programme. Of this number, 49 have been seen.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates officials from his Department and the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, held meetings with the Medical Research Council since 5 April, regarding its advice on an independent epidemiological study for Porton Down volunteers. [1005]
§ Dr. MoonieA working meeting took place on 30 May 2001 between one member of Ministry of Defence staff and one member of the Medical Research Council staff at which practical details relating to an independent epidemiological study of Porton Down Volunteers were discussed.