asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any use is proposed to be made of facilities at Porton Down for research to combat AIDS; and if he will make a statement.

My Department's chemical defence establishment at Porton Down is not involved in work of this nature, but I understand that the centre for applied microbiological research, which is part of the DHSS's public health laboratory service and is situated at Porton Down, is engaged in research to combat AIDS.