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Ministry of Defence;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

Answer

Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 June 2000, Official Report, column 434W, on Porton Down, if it is the assessment of the Chemical Defence Establishment that the nerve agent GF is more toxic to humans than sarin (GB). [130528] Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 25 July 2000: I am replying to your parliamentary question about the relative toxicity of nerve agents since the laboratories at Porton Down are part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. The relative potency of the nerve agents GB and GF depends on the route of entry of nerve agent into the body, the conditions in which the exposure occurs and the toxicological end point chosen. It is not our policy, or that of the Ministry of Defence, to publish our assessment of the human toxicology of potential chemical warfare agents because to do so could aid proliferation. I am, therefore, withholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful on this occasion.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

354 c547-8W; 130528

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Chemical and biological warfare Chemical weapons Health hazards Poisons Research Chemical Defence Establishment Sarin

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk