To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government is taking to protect the general public from biological and chemical threats, with particular reference to smallpox. [102345]

I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statements I made on 3 March 2003, Official Report, column 72WS and 20 March 2003, Official Report, column 51WS.Up-to-date information on the threat and preparedness is also published on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/terrorism.