§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work has been carried out at the chemical and defence establishment, Porton Down, to assess whether and how LSD could be used in interrogations; what were the conclusions of this work; and if he will make a statement. [29344]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThis is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clarke, dated 14 May 1996:
I have been asked to reply to your question about the possible use of LSD in interrogations at the Chemical and Biological Establishment (CBDE) as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the former CBDE in one of its divisions.
The Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) of what is now known as the Protection and Life Sciences Division (PLSD) at Porton Down has no record of any work being carried out to assess whether and how LSD could be used in interrogations. The work which was undertaken at Porton Down was aimed at ascertaining the effects of LSD on service personnel in operational circumstances.
I hope this is helpful.