HC Deb 12 December 1978 vol 960 cc150-1W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what research has been carried on at the Porton Down microbiological research establishment into vaccines, and the pertussis vaccine, in particular ; which vaccines are being used ; and if any reports on this work have been or are to be published.

Dr. Gilbert:

As part of its work on repayment for civil authorities, the Microbiological Research Establishment (MRE) carried out research and development on a wide range of vaccines, including influenza, anthrax, brucellosis, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), pertussis (whooping cough), and botulinum toxoid. TBE and anthrax vaccines are also produced at MRE. Details of this research are regularly published and patents applied for where appropriate: two such patents relate to pertussis, and the most recent article on the work on this vaccine will apppear shortly in the report of the November proceedings of the international symposium on Pertussis.