Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 13 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 20 March 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate the Government has made of the useable lifetime of (a) anthrax (wet form), (b) smallpox, (c) Vx and (d) mustard gas; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate the Government have made of the useable lifetime of (a) anthrax (wet form), (b) smallpox, (c) Vx and (d) mustard gas; and if he will make a statement. [103578] Dr. Moonie: The stability of these materials depends very much on the initial purity and the precise storage conditions. Their usable lifetime as chemical or biological warfare agents, can range from a few months to several tens of years. It should be noted that even partially degraded material may still pose a significant hazard.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 103578; 401 c884-5W;401 c885W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Chemical and biological warfare Chemical weapons Biological weapons Smallpox Anthrax VX nerve gas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk