HC Deb 31 October 1988 vol 139 cc525-6W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of simulant and analogous CBW agent has been delivered to universities undertaking research on behalf of CDE Porton Down.

Mr. Sainsbury

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to give precise details on such matters. I can say however, that very small samples of such agents have on occasion been provided to nominated specialists at United Kingdom universities to meet the requirements of MOD-sponsored research.

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of CS gas were manufactured at CDE Porton Down over the last 10 years.

Mr. Sainsbury

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to give exact details, but I can say that CS has been produced by the chemical defence establishment (CDE) Porton Down from time to time over the last 10 years.

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines are adopted for the standards and practices applied to the transport of chemical weapon agents from the decontamination site to CDE Porton Down.

Mr. Sainsbury

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer of 18 July 1988 at column503. In addition, the guidelines for the movement of these finds of old CW material are set out in MOD(PE) explosive regulations and similar service regulations.