Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 25 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 May 2002. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 May 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 20th March, 382 c316W, regarding Porton Down, if he will place in the Library a copy of the protocol drawn up by the chemical defence establishment for the experiment which was recorded in 1973 in the report entitled `The Effects of a Chemical Agent on the Eyes of Aircrew'; on what dates the Ethics Committee overseeing the human experiments at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down scrutinised this experiment; and if he will place in the Library copies of the papers of the Committee which relate to the discussion of this experiment - Inc fact that the research study referred to is detailed in the minutes of the 78th meeting on 31 January 1972 of the Committee on Safety of Human Experiments. I am withholding these minutes in accordance with Exemption 2b of the Code of Practice to Access to Government Information, relating to internal advice and discussion.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 March 2002, Official Report, column 316W, regarding Porton Down, if he will place in the Library a copy of the protocol drawn up by the Chemical Defence Establishment for the experiment which was recorded in 1973 in the report entitled "The Effects of a Chemical Agent on the Eyes of Aircrew"; on what dates the Ethics Committee overseeing the human experiments at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down scrutinised this experiment; and if he will place in the Library copies of the papers of the Committee which relate to the discussion of this experiment. [53412] Dr. Moonie: In the early 1970s formal protocols did not exist in the form which is recognised today. The details of the proposals would be recorded within the minutes of the committees overseeing the research undertaken within the Service Volunteer programme. The research study referred to is detailed in the minutes of the 78th meeting on 31 January 1972 of the Committee on Safety of Human Experiments. I am withholding these minutes in accordance with Exemption 2b of the Code of Practice to Access to Government Information, relating to internal advice and discussion.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 53412; 384 c789W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Publications Research Chemical Defence Establishment Human experiments Independent Ethics Committee
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk