§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the nature of the work which is being carried out jointly between the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, and Cortecs International; what is the purpose of this work; when did this work begin; when is this work expected to end; and what assessment he has made of the value of the work. [14307]
§ Mr. SpellarThe aim of the work being carried out jointly between the Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) sector of DERA at Porton Down and Cortecs International is to investigate new technologies which will facilitate the future development of oral vaccines. The collaboration began in June 1996 with the preliminary phase completed in October 1997.
The benefit is mutual. It allows CBD to exploit Cortecs expertise in creating oral drugs, and has given Cortecs access to CBD research on vaccines. The joint project will contribute to the development of vaccines to meet both Ministry of Defence and public health requirements.