§ 12. Mr. RaffanTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the Welsh Office inquiry into the salmonella outbreaks in Flint to be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThe Department is conducting an internal review of the handling of the outbreak to establish any lessons that can be learned for the future. The review will be completed as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. RaffanWill my hon. Friend ensure that the review is completed in time for the Government to write their recommendation into next Session's proposed food Bill? Does my hon. Friend agree that in the event of future outbreaks it will be essential that we ensure much more effective co-operation between the local health authorities and local district councils involved, which means putting somebody in charge, preferably the local health authority?
§ Mr. GristThe findings of the review will be considered in connection with the Bill. My hon. Friend has put his finger on the very points that the review will consider co-ordination and co-operation between various authorities during an outbreak.
§ Mr. LivseyIs the Minister aware that there is a two-to-three-day delay in the notification of food poisoning incidents between the Welsh Office and the district councils, whereas in England the Department of the Environment gives district councils the information immediately? What is he going to do to put that matter right?
§ Mr. GristAs I have already said, that is one of the points that the review will consider. There are various points of view about how quickly one should issue warnings.