MEMBERS of a powerful parliamentary committee have given Porton Down laboratories the thumbs-up, after their visit to the top-secret research centre last Wednesday.

The fact-finding visit by nine members of the House of Commons science and technology committee was part of its wide-ranging inquiry into how UK scientists are responding to the threat of a biological or chemical strike.

Speaking after his tour of both the defence, science and technology laboratories and the centre for applied microbiology and research, committee chairman Labour MP Dr Ian Gibson said: "It's been an interesting day in terms of understanding the world-class work that goes on here.

"We feel much more informed now.

"There is a high risk of a terrorist attack in this country and we are taking it very seriously.

"Porton Down is in the pole position to handle these sorts of attacks.

"In fact, it is the only place in Britain that we can rely on to provide information to combat any kind of terrorist attack."

Salisbury's Conservative MP Robert Key is also a member of the influential committee.

He said: "It was a privilege to bring members of parliament to Porton Down to meet world-class scientists and to learn more about their contribution to the defeat of bio-terrorism.

"Although much of the work must remain secret, local people can be really proud of the fact that Porton Down is one of the world's few and leading centres of excellence for work on how to defeat the most dangerous pathogens and poisons.

"We are now producing a report that will highlight further work that must be done to protect not only British forces but also the civilian population from the increasing risk of bio-terrorism."