Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 19 July 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 October 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Monday, 15 October 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what dates the independent Ethics Committee of the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, scrutinised the study which took place in August 2000 involving RAF volunteers at the Rapier Detachment Engagement Trainer at RAF Honington; and if he will place in the Library copies of the papers of the committee which relate to the discussion of this study (Minutes in Library Dep 01/1457).

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the independent Ethics Committee of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, scrutinised the study which took place in August 2000 involving RAF volunteers at the Rapier Detachment Engagement Trainer at RAF Honington; and if he will place in the Library copies of the papers of the committee which relate to the discussion of this study. [6561] Dr. Moonie: The protocol for the study at RAF Honington was reviewed and approved by the Independent CBD Ethics Committee during their 22{nd} meeting held on 4 September 1997. The discussions of the Independent CBD Ethics Committee are undertaken in confidence and I am therefore withholding the release of the complete minutes under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice to Access to Government Information. I will, however, place the section of the minutes relevant to this trial in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6561; 372 c935W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Disclosure of information Chemical and biological warfare Air force Research Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Human experiments Independent Ethics Committee RAF Honington
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk