HL Deb 20 January 2004 vol 657 cc130-1WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What equipment they possess which could identify chemical or biological substances that could be used in a terrorist attack, before any clinical symptoms appear; in each case, which substances the equipment identifies; how long the identification takes, how many pieces of the equipment are in the hands of public bodies; and how many are in place and activated. [HL642]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government recognise the importance of rapid and reliable detection at the scene of a potential chemical or biological incident.

The emergency services are equipped with a range of detection devices. We do not put specific details about this equipment in the public domain because the information could be of use to terrorists assessing how government monitors an attack.