Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: If the carcasses of camels, sheep and other animals killed during the Gulf War were (a) flown to Boscombe Down airfield, (b) transported thence to the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down and (c) tested for the causes of their deaths, indicating the results of the tests. - Includes fact that at present my Department has no verified information concerning reports of dead animals being found during the Gulf war. However, a search for information relevant to this subject is currently underway. (Holding answer 10 March 1997).

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the carcases of camels, sheep and other animals killed during the Gulf war were (a) flow to Boscombe Down airfield, (b) transported thence to the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down and (c) tested for the causes of their deaths, indicating the results of the tests. [19518] Mr. Soames: [holding answer 10 march 1997]: At present my Department has no verified information concerning reports of dead animals being found during the Gulf war. The Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, situated at Porton Down, has no record of any dead animals being received or analysed in connection with the Gulf war. However, a search for information relevant to this subject is currently underway.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 19518; 292 c515W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Death Animals Chemical and biological warfare Defence Armed conflict Iraq-Kuwait conflict Livestock Research Chemical Defence Establishment