Written question asked by Robert Jackson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 February 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 February 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance has been issued to public health professionals 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 Health what guidance has been issued to public health professionals in the event of a large scale smallpox outbreak. [33338] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 5 February 2002]: The Department issued guidance to all health authorities and regional directors of Public health on the procedures to be followed in the event of a deliberate release of smallpox and other biological agents on 17 October 2001. At the same time, guidance for medical and laboratory staff was issued by the Public Health Laboratory Service on 17 October 2001. This is available on the PHLS website: http://www.phls.co.uk/advice/smallpox guidelines.pdf

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 33338; 379 c1051W;379 c1047W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Biological weapons Disease control Emergencies Viral diseases Smallpox Public health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk