§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what he is doing to ensure that there should be available to researchers in Great Britain a wide-ranging collection of microorganisms, as an insurance against a possible outbreak of particularly unusual and nasty diseases; what representations he has had on this subject from Professor Postgate FRS of the Agricultural 782W Research Council and others on this topic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneMicro-organisms required for research are held by several centres supported by the Medical Research Council and the Agricultural Research Council. Reference collections of micro-organisms of medical importance are maintained at the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, and other public health laboratories. My right hon. and learned Friend has received no representations on this subject from Professor Postgate or others.