§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the World Health Organisation regarding contingency plans for combating an outbreak of smallpox in the UK. [12253]
§ Jacqui SmithMinisters and officials have frequent formal and informal contacts with the World Health Organisation on a range of health-related topics including issues around the health threats posed by a bioterrorist threat. Within the framework of these ongoing contacts, we have had no specific discussions on contingency planning for combating an outbreak of smallpox in the United Kingdom, although we are aware of the guidance WHO has published on these matters. As part of our contingency planning we will keep open our contacts with WHO so that we can call upon their advice and technical assistance as necessary.