§ Mr. KilfoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the shelf life of VX gas is; and what the rate is of natural degradation of VX gas where VX-stabiliser is used. [103973]
§ Dr. MoonieThe stability of VX depends very much on its initial purity, the use of the appropriate stabilisers and the precise storage conditions utilised. Its shelf life as a chemical warfare agent can range from a few months to several tens of years. It should be noted that even partially degraded material may still pose a significant hazard.