§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the purpose of research into the genetic engineering of viruses at St. George's hospital, London, funded by the centre for applied microbiology and Research, Porton Down.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are not aware of this research. However, work is being undertaken by St. George's hospital, in collaboration with the centre for applied microbiology and research and funded by the Wellcome Trust, into cytomegalovirus — which is one cause of congenital malformation in children. The long-term objective is to develop an effective vaccine.