HC Deb 24 March 2003 vol 402 c70W
Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many applicants at biological research centres in(a) postgraduate institutes and (b) commercial laboratories and research facilities have been vetted under the voluntary security scheme and any other scheme in (i) the past five years and (ii) the past two years; how many were refused; and if he will make a statement; [85024]

(2) which UK postgraduate institutions whose work includes biological research comply with the voluntary arrangements for security vetting of applications by scientists seeking work and studies in such institutions; what percentage of them this represents; and which do not; [85023]

(3) if the voluntary arrangements for security vetting applications by scientists seeking work and studies in the field of biological research in postgraduate institutions apply equally to (a) NHS facilities and (b) all categories of scientific, medical, paramedical and ancillary staff; [85022]

(4) what the countries of origin were of scientists who had their applications for work or study in biological research rejected on grounds of security in the past five years. [85025]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I will write to my hon. Friend separately on this issue.