Written question asked by James Paice (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 September 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 September 2007. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Monday, 17 September 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Government Laboratories: Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what biosecurity breaches have occurred over the last five years at Government-funded laboratories conducting research into infectious animal diseases; and what penalties have been imposed on those responsible.

Answer: [holding answer 12 September 2007]: Licences issued by DEFRA to laboratories which handle specified animal pathogens under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO) 1998 impose strict requirements in relation to biosecurity. Under the Animal Health Act 1981, it is an offence to breach a term of a licence.No such offences have been confirmed, and so no penalties have been imposed, at a Government-funded laboratory conducting research into infectious animal diseases, whether funded by DEFRA or another Department, in the last five years. Regular inspection and ongoing liaison with SAPO-licensed laboratories seeks to ensure that potential deficiencies in biosecurity are identified quickly and remedial action is taken.The Health and Safety Executive has published a report on potential breaches of biosecurity at Pirbright following the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey. This report is available from the DEFRA website and the Libraries of the House. SAPO legislation is enforced by local authorities. Surrey county council are now urgently considering the contents of the reports and will determine what action, if any, is necessary.

Secondary information