§ Mr. Robert JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Health about contingency measures to be introduced in the event of a smallpox outbreak. [33335)
§ Mr. Blunkett[holding answer 5 February 2002]: Home Office and Department of Health officials have regular meetings to ensure cross-Government preparedness for responding to a deliberate chemical/ biological release. This work includes arrangements for responding to a smallpox outbreak.
621WBilateral arrangements with the United States assist us in ensuring preparation for and stocks of vaccine to contain any such eventuality.