HC Deb 22 June 1998 vol 314 c373W
20. Maria Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the circumstances under which inoculation of forces personnel should be compulsory. [45241]

Dr. Reid

Immunisation is vitally important for the protection of UK Service personnel against disease, in the context of public health threats as well as defence against biological warfare agents. At present, MoD policy is that immunisation for both purposes is voluntary, on the basis of informed consent. However, the means of protecting our personnel against such threats are continually reviewed and updated in the light of current circumstances.