A strain on the system. Pt. 1, Biological and chemical attack.

The first in a series of three programmes examining how well prepared we are for dealing with an unexpected disaster. Sue Broom investigates how a combination of science and planning should help us combat threats to our safety and security. As well as the importance of a good scientific understanding of biological and chemical weapons, the effectiveness of the science needs to be teamed with proper planning and efficient channels of communication. In July 2001, the Civil Contingencies Secretariat was formed to improve the rèsilience' of central government, when faced with dìsruptive challenges'.