HC Deb 23 June 1998 vol 314 cc458-9W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies he is currently undertaking with the United States military on systems for the detection of chemical and biological weapons. [46545]

Dr. Reid

[holding answer 22 June 1998]The UK is already party to a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States and Canada on chemical and biological defence. Under the auspices of this MOU, my Department embarked upon a programme to develop a joint approach to chemical and biological defence and collaboration across a full range of defensive measures, including systems for the detection of chemical and biological agents. As part of this programme, we have undertaken joint tests and field trials with both the US and Canada to establish the effectiveness of available technology for the detection of chemical and biological agents.

I have recently agreed with the US Defence Secretary that we should increase co-operation to combat chemical and biological weapons. This will further deepen the existing close collaboration in this area.