HC Deb 13 March 2002 vol 381 cc1167-8W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of the London Underground to carry out experiments on the release of substances originating from Porton Down; and if he will categorise those carried out. [41979]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 11 March 2002]: In 1963 and 1964 the former Microbiological Research Establishment at Porton Down carried out two defence trials in the London Underground to assess the risk from biological warfare.

These trials involved dropping packages containing simulants for biological warfare agents from moving trains and then assessing how far they travelled and how long they survived.

These defensive sabotage trials were carried out with the knowledge of the relevant Ministers of the day, the London Underground and the oversight of the Biological Research Advisory Board. The reports of the trials have been in the Public Record Office for several years and have been widely reported in the media.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the experiments conducted on the spread of bacterial spores by Porton Down; [41976]

(2) how many experiments have been conducted by the Ministry of Defence into freeze-dried spores of the microbe Bacillus globigii; and of those, how many involved exposure of the microbe to the general public. [41977]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 11 March 2002]: The Biology Department was formed at Porton Down in 1940 and since then there has been a continuous interest in the spread of micro-organisms, of which bacterial spores are the most hardy.

Throughout the last 60 years there have been numerous experiments to assess the spread and transmission of bacterial spores. Many of these have been undertaken in the laboratory, some on the Porton Range, at sea and in other open areas.

There is no definitive list of experiments and trials undertaken by the Ministry of Defence, Porton Down over the years to evaluate the spread of bacterial spores. The research undertaken at Porton Down to improve the UK's understanding of this issue is collated in the following report 'BW and BW Defence Field Trials Conducted by the UK: 1940–1979' by GB Carter. I will place a copy in the Library of the House.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Government plans to release papers, previously due for release in 1995, held by the Public Records Office concerning experiments into Bacillus globigii spores; and if he will make a statement. [41978]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 11 March 2002]: Since the formation of the Biology Department at Porton Down in 1940 there have been numerous experiments to assess the spread and transmission of bacterial spores, many of which have involved the use of Bacillus globigii.

At present staff are unable to identify the papers to which the hon. Member is referring. However, if he would like to elaborate on his request I will look into the matter.

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