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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's contingency plans for the decontamination of British weapons systems covered by (a) Sarin, (b) Soman, (c) Ebola, (d) VX and (e) other similar long-lasting substances. [76179] Mr. Adam Ingram: [holding answer 21 October 2002]: In the first instance we seek to deter the use of chemical or biological warfare agents against our forces, or those of our Allies. We have made it plain that the United Kingdom would take an extremely serious view of this step and that it would invite a proportionately serious response. In the event of a release of chemical or biological agents we would seek to avoid direct exposure, and hence contamination, by using equipment and procedures that detect chemical or biological threats, warn of hazards and protect personnel. If exposure is unavoidable, individuals are equipped to decontaminate themselves and their personal equipment, and units to carry out decontamination to allow them to continue operating. Additional processes would be followed at the end of an operation.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

391 c144W; 76179

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Chemical and biological warfare Chemical weapons Biological weapons Contamination Weapons Ebola Sarin Soman

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk