Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Thursday, 18 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 November 2001. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 1 November 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What steps she has taken to ensure that pharmaceutical companies in the United Kingdom are not engaged in the production of biological weapons. - Includes ref to 15 October 2001, 372 c923-39.

Answer: Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to ensure that pharmaceutical companies in the United Kingdom are not engaged in the production of biological weapons. [9576] Ms Hewitt: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 923, the legislative measures that he intends to introduce in the very near future to counter international terrorism threats. The legislation will include clauses to cover the intention to use, produce, possess or participate in unauthorised transfers of chemical and biological as well as nuclear and radiological materials.

Secondary information