§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been undertaken to assess the lethal potency of mustard gas used in hot dry climates compared with cooler wetter climates.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonSince the use of mustard gas in the first world war, many nations have conducted studies. Work was done in the second world war to assess the hazard presented by mustard in a variety of climatic conditions. The material has been continuously studied at the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down to ensure that the armed forces are provided with effective protective measures. The United Kingdom abandoned its chemical weapons capability in the late 1950s and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has made it clear that we would take the gravest view of any Iraqi attack using chemical weapons.