HC Deb 05 March 1984 vol 55 cc450-1W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future of lassa fever research; and whether he is considering giving approval to the closure of the dangerous pathogens laboratory.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Public Health Laboratory Service Board is still considering the future of the special pathogens reference laboratory at Porton. The future of research into lassa fever will be taken into account in these deliberations. Ministers are awaiting their advice and no decisions will be taken until we have considered it.