Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
conduct large-scale dissemination trials using microbes.
114
The proposals
were approved by Harold Macmillan's Cabinet in May 1963 and were
summarized as follows in a brief for new ministers: first, and most gener-
ally, “The UK should develop a limited chemical retaliatory capability”;
second, “Research should be carried out on biological agents with an
authorised expenditure of £0.47 million over 5 years”; and finally, “pro-
duction of equipment for defence against chemical and biological agents”
should proceed “at a rate of £17.5 million for the three services over the
next 5 years.”
115
In the event, the amount allocated to biological warfare
research was split between £0.37 million over five years for research on
biological agents and £0.1 million over three years for outdoor trials.
116
Field Trials with Simulants
The open-air trials now had two main aims: assessment of the threat from
the LAC and the early detection of biological warfare agents.
117
They
were accompanied by a “ventilation trial” using the simulant
B. globigii
on the London Underground in July 1963.
118
Scientists at Porton were in-
formed that further approval for use of living organisms in trials by the
secretary of state for war was not required, although the chief scientist
would keep him informed of progress.
119
The chief scientist justified the
trials to the BRAB on the grounds that the release of “harmless micro-or-
ganisms presents no special hazards,” especially in comparison with ac-
tivities such as brewing, sewage disposal, and agricultural operations.
120
A progress report on field trials undertaken in 1963 and 1964 noted
that 10 trials had been carried out, mainly at night, using a ship as a
source vehicle along the south coast of England. Initially these trials had
used dead, stained organisms.
121
Most of the remaining trials used a mix-
ture of live
Escherichia coli
(162) and
B. globigii
spores, the latter being used
as a tracer.
122
From October 1964 into May 1965 13 trials took place at
night in Lyme Bay and Weymouth Bay on the south coast.
123
Scientists
and naval personnel released suspensions of
E. coli
(162) and
B. globigii
along a line between 5 and 20 nautical miles long and between 5 and 20
nautical miles from the shore. The cloud, which was tracked by releasing
balloons carrying radar reflectors, was generated by four spray heads
spraying bacterial suspension for between 55 and 113 minutes. Sampling
of the cloud was performed on land at distances of up to 37 nautical miles
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