18. To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS staff are trained to deal with chemical, biological or radiological attacks. (138353)

From 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2007, 40,556 NHS staff have been trained to respond to major incidents, including CBRN incidents. This comprises of clinical and managerial NHS staff in hospital and community settings. Approximately, a further 2,500 ambulance personnel have also received CBRN training, including those working in London's hazardous area response team.