§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many blood samples were taken from what number of the members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces who were vaccinated with anthrax/pertussis prior to and during Operation Granby, and where these samples are stored.
§ Lord GilbertThe Government have no information concerning the totality of blood samples taken from British troops during the Gulf War, nor is it clear how many personnel were vaccinated with anthrax and pertussis. However, it is known that 216 blood samples were specifically collected by the Royal Army Medical Corps at stages during the anti-biological warfare immunisation programme, which include the use of anthrax and pertussis. They were sent to the then Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down and tested. What remains of these samples following that assessment is currently in storage at CBD Porton Down.