HC Deb 13 January 1998 vol 304 cc157-8W
Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff are currently employed at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down; and what plans he has for staffing levels over the next five years. [22514]

Mr. Spellar

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 13 January 1998: I have been asked to reply to your question concerning numbers of staff employed at DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down. The number of staff employed by CBD Porton Down was 588 at 1 December 1997. With respect to staffing levels over the next five years, on current plans we expect our numbers to remain fairly constant. However, these plans take no account of the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review which may affect our plans in either direction. I hope this is helpful.

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