§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inoculations against biological weapons and prophylactic measures against exposure to chemical weapon agents have been implemented in respect of United Kingdom armed forces and military auxilaries this year. [75873]
§ Dr. MoonieMedical countermeasures form one part of the package of capabilities which protects our troops and enables them to respond effectively to biological threats. This package includes warning systems, detection capabilities, protective clothing and equipment, decontamination procedures and training.
The immunisation currently available to protect United Kingdom Service personnel against exposure to biological warfare agents is a routine programme of voluntary immunisation against anthrax. We have expanded this programme within the last year; I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 13 June 2002 (Official Report, columns 1344ߝ1345W) to the hon. Member for High Peak (Mr. Levitt).
Medical countermeasures against chemical warfare agents (such as Nerve Agent Pre-treatment Sets (NAPS) tablets) are issued only when the threat from chemical agents is assessed to be immediate. This has not proven necessary within the last year and so no such measures have been implemented by UK Armed Forces or reserves.