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Porton Down Volunteers: What MOD Is Doing

The Ministry of Defence is very grateful to all those whose participation in studies at Porton Down made possible the research to provide safe and effective protection for UK Armed Forces against chemical and biological weapons. 

Suggestions have been made that some Porton Down Volunteers suffer unusual patterns of ill health because of their participation in trials.  The Ministry of Defence has seen no scientific evidence to support that belief, but takes such suggestions seriously.

On 21 November 2000 a statement was made in the House of Commons by the Under Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Lewis Moonie, announcing a package of measures concerning the Porton Down Volunteers issue.  Click on the links below to find out further information on these measures:

  • Porton Down Helpline
    Details of how to find out more information on your time at Porton Down and the opportunity to examine records for yourself
  • Medical Assessment Programme
    Details of how to obtain a FREE medical assessment at our centre in London, and a link to guidance details for Medical Practitioners
  • Epidemiological Study
    A study to find out if participation in trials at Porton Down is linked to ill-health amongst former volunteers

 

Last Updated: 17 Dec 01