Memorandum 38
Supplementary evidence from Professor
George Griffin following oral evidence session on 17 March 2008
COMMENT ON
ORAL EVIDENCE
Thank you for sending the transcript of my evidence
to the Committee. There are several points that I wish to clarify.
In response to question 33, I erroneously stated
that I am conducting a review on behalf of the Medical Research
Council (MRC). In fact this review is being led by the Health
Protection Agency, as stated in question 42. It should be clear
that there is only one review. The MRC is a co-sponsor of the
review which is currently in early planning stages and further
sponsors have been approached. I defined the terms of reference
to the Subcommittee.
In response to question 39, it was my intention
to say three to six months which is the timescale for the report,
in line with my answer to question 43 in which I state that the
report is due to be ready on 1st October 2008. Whilst I stated
that I would wish to avoid situating a containment level 4 facility
in a major conurbation, I would like to make it clear that decisions
of that nature are informed by multi-factorial risk assessments
in which scientific benefits are viewed in the context of potential
risks, as I said in response to question 43. Furthermore, I wish
to emphasise that risk assessment is the driving mechanism informing
the planning, maintenance and running of such facilities.
March 2008
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