§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply on 28 February, Official Report, cat column 113, how many volunteers have withdrawn from tests at Porton Down before completion; and what was the nature of the tests in which they were involved.
§ Mr. LeeFrom 1 January 1979 to date, 10 volunteers have withdrawn, 5 of them on compassionate grounds (ie, where domestic circumstances have necessitated an early departure). They were participating in the normal range of tests carried out at CDE Porton Down, as described in answer to another question today.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence what experiments are carried out on service volunteers at Porton Down; and how many volunteers have been involved in the past five years.
§ Mr. LeeVolunteer Service personnel take part in medical studies and tests of chemical defence equipment. For example, it is necessary to determine whether materials under consideration for defensive equipment affect the skin of the wearer in any way. Clothing tests monitor the ability of personnel to work effectively. Medical research is concerned with the prevention and treatment of chemical warfare casualties. Such tests, conducted under careful control, make a vital contribution to CDE's role in ensuring the effective defence of our Forces against the threat of chemical attack. 907 volunteers have participated in such tests at CDE Porton Down since 1 January 1979.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there are any circumstances in which service personnel are invited to take part in experiments at the chemical defence establishment or similar establishments in order to receive consideration in respect of actual or putative disciplinary charges.
§ Mr. LeeI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 28 February 1984 at column113. There is no connection whatsoever between disciplinary matters and participation in tests of the type carried out at the chemical defence establishment.