Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many films made by the Chemical Defence and Biological Establishment, Porton Down have been transferred to the Imperial War Museum since 1990; if he will place in the Library a list of the title of each such film; what progress is being made in transferring further films from Porton Down to the Imperial War Museum; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many films made by the Chemical Defence and Biological Establishment, Porton Down have been transferred to the Imperial War Museum since 1990; if he will place in the Library a list of the titles of each such film; what progress is being made in transferring further films from Porton Down to the Imperial War Museum; and if he will make a statement. [160493] Dr. Moonie: It is believed that at least 70 films have been transferred to the Imperial War Museum (IWM) from the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of DERA at Porton Down since 1990. Responsibility for producing a catalogue of acquisitions rests with the IWM. The Ministry of Defence continues to maintain dialogue with the IWM and staff at the Public Records Office and Porton Down about the suitability of other films for permanent preservation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 160493; 368 c196W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Chemical and biological warfare Archives Film Research Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk