HC Deb 23 June 2003 vol 407 cc541-2W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what capability in respect of(a) biological and (b) chemical weapons the UK retains. [120558]

Mr. Ingram

The United Kingdom abandoned its offensive biological and chemical warfare programmes in the late 1950s. However, a number of states and terrorist groups have, or want to acquire, such weapons. The UK therefore maintains defensive capabilities against biological and chemical weapons. The UK is fully compliant with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.