Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what investigations he has undertaken of reported losses of viruses from Porton Down in the past year.

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations he has undertaken of reported losses of viruses from Porton Down in the past year. [159724] Dr. Moonie: There have been no losses of viruses from the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of DERA at Porton Down in the past year. I believe that the hon. Member is referring to comments made in a report which appeared in the Sunday Express on 8 April alleging that a vial of foot and mouth virus had been stolen from Porton Down. No foot and mouth viruses have been stolen from CBD Porton Down, nor have samples of foot and mouth virus been held at CBD Porton Down in the past year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 367 c716-7W; 159724
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Chemical and biological warfare Research Viral diseases Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Porton Down (Wiltshire)
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk