Written question asked by Lord Jopling (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 January 2012.

Health: Anthrax Vaccine

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to modernise the facilities for producing anthrax vaccines at Porton Down.

Answer: Regular reviews are undertaken of the Porton Down anthrax manufacturing facility and works scheduled accordingly to ensure that it continues to comply with the relevant regulatory standards. Action taken to ensure compliance includes a planned ongoing capital improvements programme involving as part of this, the introduction of isolator barrier technology. Improvements to the manufacturing plant began in the 2009-10 financial year and are expected to be completed over a five-year period at a cost of £5.27 million.

Secondary information