To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Department is spending on (a) stock piling influenza vaccines and (b) research into methods of preventing an influenza pandemic. (103194)

In relation to pandemic influenza vaccines, we have purchased 3.3 million doses of H5N1 vaccine at a cost of £33 million.

We continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to research methods of preventing a pandemic. In particular, strong epidemiological surveillance in South East Asia to detect outbreaks early and a strengthened rapid response capacity is of utmost importance. To support these efforts, the Department has already contributed £500,000 to the WHO.