Smallpox (Birmingham)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 January 1979.

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Photo of Mr Michael Hamilton Mr Michael Hamilton , Salisbury 12:00, 24 January 1979

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a close interest in the subject at the Microbiological Research Establishment at Porton, which he was good enough to visit a few weeks ago? Does he appreciate that the scientists at Porton do not regard the handling of the smallpox virus with much anxiety because there is a certain protection against it, whereas many of the viruses that they handle, of equally deadly diseases, do not have such protection?

At the same time, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is inevitably a certain local concern, as also experienced by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey (Mr. Rossi)? Will the right hon. Gentleman also write to me? Will he come to a conclusion quickly, before speculation mounts, as to the future site for research in this field?