§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he was first notified of the Iraqi threat to infiltrate British ports with the anthrax virus. [37255]
§ Mr. StrawAs I indicated in my reply to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 24 March 1998,Official Report, column 180, initial information about possible anthrax smuggling was received in the Home Office on 5 March. That information was assessed thoroughly alongside all other relevant information and an assessment of Iraqi intentions. I was notified on 21 March.