HC Deb 16 December 1994 vol 251 cc820-1W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when research at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment into protection against the use of anthrax ceased; and when the preparation and storage of(a) anthrax vaccine and (b) penicillin-resistant anthrax vaccine at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment ceased.

Mr. Soames

This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive CBDE to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 16 December 1994:

QUESTION 25, ORDER PAPER 8 DECEMBER 1994

  1. 1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking when research at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment into protection against the use of anthrax ceased; and when the preparation and storage of (a) anthrax vaccine and (b) penicillin-resistant anthrax vaccine at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.
  2. 2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the UK Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them.
  3. 3. Following the Gulf conflict, increased emphasis has been placed on biological defence which primarily consists of detection and medical countermeasures. The programme of work on medical countermeasures includes the continuing study of both vaccines and antibiotics against a range of potential biological warfare agents including anthrax. This work on protection against anthrax has not ceased and is continuing.
  4. 4. The work into vaccines against anthrax includes the study of possible improved vaccines and involves the preparation of research quantities for evaluation in animals. This research includes the examination of the effectiveness of anthrax vaccines against penicillin-resistant strains of anthrax. CBDE Porton Down has not produced anthrax vaccines in quantity for human use although we hold a small stock of vaccine for the immunization of staff working at CBDE with anthrax.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the differences between the first and second anthrax inoculations administered to British personnel during the Gulf war; and by whom they were manufactured.

Mr. Soames

Details relating to all vaccines giving protection against biological warfare agents are classified.

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