THE Prime Minister thanked Porton Down scientists for their “vital” work tackling infectious diseases including the deadly Ebola virus in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions at lunchtime, David Cameron lauded the “brave and courageous” staff carrying out testing on the killer virus.

Mr Cameron’s comments came as Salisbury MP John Glen accused Public Health England (PHE) bosses of “refusing to evaluate fully” the idea of building a national centre for global response to infectious diseases at Porton.

Mr Glen said scientists were doing “outstanding” work to combat Ebola and questioned PHE’s persistent recommendation to move key researchers to Harlow.

He called on the Prime Minister to discuss the matter and “ensure that the future of public health, the life-sciences industry and the taxpayer are well served by the decision ultimately made for public health in England.”

Mr Cameron said Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt would meet Mr Glen to discuss this issue in detail.

“We want to see life sciences and these areas succeed in Britain, and Porton Down has an important role to play,” said Mr Cameron.

But PHE has refuted Mr Glen’s claims, denying that it had refused to evaluate fully an option to create a science hub at Porton Down.

A PHE spokesman said: “It was one of the options put forward to Government as part of the outline business case which was submitted in July.

“Our preferred option is to co-locate our facilities at Porton, Colindale and some of our London-based corporate services on a new campus in Harlow.

“We are currently awaiting a government decision.”

Mr Glen said he was concerned about the “narrowness” of the PHE outline business case and said he would raise these concerns with both Jeremy Hunt and other key Whitehall figures.

He wants them to see the “broader potential” of Porton scientists to save taxpayers money and develop stronger commercial relationships outside of the public sector.

“It’s essential that the whole of Government, not just PHE, understands the enormous capability and potential of what Porton has to offer,” said Mr Glen.