Written question asked by Robert Jackson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 12 April 2002. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Friday, 12 April 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance has been issued to law enforcement agencies in the event of a large scale smallpox outbreak. - (Holding answer 5 February 2002).

Answer: Mr. Robert Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been issued to law enforcement agencies in the event of a large scale smallpox outbreak. [33336] Mr. John Denham: [Holding answer 5 February 2002] I apologise for the delay in replying. Smallpox has been eradicated world-wide and no specific guidance has been issued to law enforcement agencies. Guidance on smallpox, accessible both to public and professionals is available from the Public Health Laboratory Service. A major outbreak of non-terrorist origin would be co-ordinated at the national level through the Civil Contingencies Committee; a terrorist incident would be handled through Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR).

Secondary information