Biological Weapons Act 1974 (c. 6)

1 Restriction on development etc. of certain biological agents and toxins and of biological weapons

(1) No person shall develop, produce, stockpile, acquire or retain—

(a) any biological agent or toxin of a type and in a quantity that has no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes ; or

(b) any weapon, equipment or means of delivery designed to use biological agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.

(2) In this section—

• " biological agent " means any microbial or other biological agent; and

• " toxin " means any toxin, whatever its origin or method of production.

(3) Any person contravening this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction on indictment, be liable to imprisonment for life.