2.— (1) A person shall be guilty of an offence if the person knowingly develops, produces or uses a microbial or other biological agent, or toxin (whatever its origin or method of production), for a hostile purpose.

(2) A person shall be guilty of an offence if—

( a) the person stockpiles, acquires, possesses or retains or transfers to another person a microbial or otherbiological agent, or toxin (whatever its origin or method of production), and

( b) the person does so knowing, or is reckless as to whether or not, the agent or toxin has been developed or produced or is intended to be used for a hostile purpose.

(3) A person shall be guilty of an offence if—

( a) the person develops, produces, uses, stockpiles, acquires, possesses or retains or transfers to another person a prohibited weapon, and

( b) the person does so knowing, or is reckless as to whether or not, it is a prohibited weapon.

(4) A person who attempts to commit an offence under subsection (1) , (2) or (3) shall be guilty of an offence.