§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the US/UK Joint Venture Oversight Group on the defence response to the threat posed by chemical and biological weapons is due to meet in 1999; in which country each meeting is due to take place; which of his Department's officials attend these meetings; and if any other Government Departments attend these meetings. [74257]
§ Mr. George RobertsonIt is currently envisaged that the Joint Venture Oversight Group will meet twice a year and that the meetings will be held alternately in the United 117W States and the UK. The inaugural meeting of the Group having taken place in the United States in December 1998, the next will be held in the UK in June
The principal UK official for these meetings is the MOD Deputy Policy Director. The composition of his supporting team depends on the business of each meeting, but is likely normally to include staff with responsibility for relevant policy issues, operational assessment and scientific research. Other Departments would be represented if required.