Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 1 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 July 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when (a) the first official contact between ministers in his Department and Powderject concerning the smallpox vaccine and (b) the signing of the contract was; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 8 May 2002).

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when (a) the first official contact between ministers in his Department and Powderject concerning the smallpox vaccine and (b) the signing of the contract was; and if he will make a statement. [54656] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 8 May 2002]: Ministers had no contact with PowderJect concerning the placing of the smallpox vaccine contact. The contract was signed on 11 April 2002. All meetings and subsequent discussions with the pharmaceutical companies were conducted by officials from the Department and the Ministry of Defence.

Secondary information