Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by John Cummings (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 April 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Terrorism: Anthrax

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment has been made of the level of risk of anthrax infection to workers in Government department postal sections arising from the terrorist action; and if she will make a statement;
Answer

From 2001, and following the anthrax incidents in the United States of America, the United Kingdom's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Resilience programme has provided the framework for comprehensive planning and preparation for dealing with the possible consequences of a CBRN attack. In addition, the Government's wider Counter Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST) deals, among other things, with all aspects of protection to the public, including security advice to the private sector. While for security reasons it would be inappropriate to detail all aspects of such planning, the Government's approach is to prevent terrorists from obtaining or using hazardous materials; to put in place safeguards to protect the public, public places or critical national infrastructure from such attacks; and to ensure that measures are in place to reduce the impact of any such attack should it occur. The Health and Safety Executive has, for example, produced guidance on "Biological/Chemical Threats by Post" and general advice to businesses is provided by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure.With regard to anthrax vaccine, the HPA is the sole manufacturer of the UK's licensed anthrax vaccine. The vaccine is manufactured for and on behalf of the UK Government. As a public body, the HPA is not a member of RISC. Routine vaccination against anthrax is generally used only to protect individuals who may be exposed to anthrax in the workplace (for example working with animal hides).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
492 c298-9W; 271429
Session
2008-09
Subjects
Terrorism Anthrax
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk