The Microbiological Research Department, Ministry of Supply, Porton, Wilts

Abstract

The Microbiological Research Department has a very brief history. It is a defence research organization within the Ministry of Supply, staffed by members of the Scientific Civil Service. It had its origins early in the Second World War. The Government at that time considered it prudent to have assessed, if possible, the dangers likely to arise as a result of deliberate dissemination of disease-producing organisms and, if danger existed, to have developed means for counteracting the consequences of such evil. A very small band of research workers in the United Kingdom were set to face this colossal task. At first it seemed a most unhappy assignment, and a considerable period of time was spent wondering not only what to do, but how to do it. However, by the end of the war the information that had been collected was sufficient in content and implication to allow of three findings. First, it could tentatively be concluded that there was potential danger in the deliberate dissemination of pathogenic micro-organisms. Secondly, it seemed necessary that further work should be undertaken, but it could no longer profitably proceed on the purely ad hoc basis that had been essential as a starting point; fundamental study of infectious disease processes was required. Finally, it was obvious that the work would demand special laboratory facilities. In fact, these three findings dictated post-war policy in the United Kingdom, and I have now to describe something of how this policy is being carried out.