HC Deb 25 November 1986 vol 106 cc126-7
5. Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what investigations his Department has made into the reasons for changes in levels of salmonella food poisoning between 1980 and 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

The Department, through the Public Health Laboratory Service and the notification of cases to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, monitors the incidence of food poisoning generally, including that from salmonella. The increase in numbers of cases recorded in recent years reflects in part an increase in reporting of food poisoning. There has, however, also been some increased incidence. Cross contamination of cooked food by raw contaminated products is particularly important, as is the survival of salmonella organisms in processed food and their post-process contamination. We have taken steps to encourage high standards of hygiene for all people handling food in their employment or in the home.

Mr. Meadowcroft

No doubt there are several reasons for the increase, as the Minister said. Is he aware that a recent outbreak at Raynville primary school in west Leeds, which is a relatively modern building, spotlighted a problem, in that 11 out of the 24 district environmental health officer posts in Leeds are unfilled because of the lack of trained applicants? Surely the Minister can do something to ensure that there are more trained applicants so that the local authority can do its job.

Mr. Newton

I am aware of the salmonella outbreak in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. He will know that it is proving difficult to indentify the cause and that the school kitchen's hygiene is very good. I have to admit that the hon. Gentleman's second point has not before been brought to my attention and I undertake to consider it.

Mr. Pavitt

When studying the incidence of salmonella poisoning, has the Minister examined the figures according to whether catering services are provided by private contractors or by an in-house service? If not, will he make an analysis on that basis?

Mr. Newton

I shall consider what the hon. Gentleman said. I hope he agrees that the key problem, which was highlighted by the Stanley Royd hospital outbreak, is the quality of the supervisory management. That applies as much to in-house as to private catering.