Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 February 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 15 February 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department maintains sufficient supplies of anti-malarial and other drugs to provide maximum protection for members of the armed forces who might be deployed at short notice. - Inc figure. (Holding answer 12 February 2001).

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department maintains sufficient supplies of anti-malarial and other drugs to provide maximum protection for members of the armed forces who might be deployed at short notice. [149889] Dr. Moonie: [holding answer 12 February 2001]: The Medical Supplies Agency (MSA) has arrangements in place for the provision of medical supplies in support of operations, across a wide range of contingencies. These arrangements include stock held by the MSA and stock held by private vendor contractors that can be made available at short notice (within 24 hours). There have been occasional problems with some vaccines that have a limited shelf life. Last year, for example, there was a national shortage of Yellow Fever vaccine. Despite this, MSA procurement staff were able to put in place arrangements to meet operational requirements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 149889; 363 c196W;363 c195W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Drugs Medical treatments Malaria Yellow fever Medical Supplies Agency
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk