HC Deb 16 July 1990 vol 176 c664
2. Mr. Raffan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish his Department's report on the salmonella outbreak in Flint; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

The Department's report will be published as soon as possible.

Mr. Raffan

Is my hon. Friend aware of the widespread concern over the delay in the publication of the report, which the Welsh Office originally promised would be in April? Will my hon. Friend be more specific about the publishing date? Will he scotch rumours that the report does not face up to the central issue of the outbreak—the need for one person to be put in overall charge, preferably the medically qualified director of public health medicine?

Mr. Grist

We shall have to wait for the report's final version before answering the latter part of my hon. Friend's question. The time taken to publish the report was caused largely by the fact that we had to send it in draft form to Delyn borough council and Clwyd health authority, and the borough council in particular replied at considerable length. In addition, we sent out an associated draft guidance circular on public food poisoning, and we are trying to sort out the responses to it. We shall have to wait until we have managed to do those things before publication can take place. I promise my hon. Friend that we shall do it as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Rhodri Morgan. The question relates to Flint.

Mr. Morgan

It is about salmonella.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member had better read the question.

Mr. Morgan

I am asking a question about the importance of discovering the causes and effects of salmonella. As a further sign of how important it is, I should like to point out that an outbreak at Ely hospital, a large hospital in my constituency, has resulted in 62 cases of salmonella or suspected salmonella poisoning. I press the Minister on the urgent need for him to find out the exact causes and effects of salmonella. In the meantime, may I say to him how strongly—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have let the hon. Gentleman get away with that, but the question was about a report on the salmonella outbreak in Flint.

Mr. Grist

I have already asked for a report on that matter. I gather that 40 patients are affected, although the hon. Gentleman mentioned 60, but obviously that can be sorted out. It is a matter for South Glamorgan health authority, but clearly it is of public interest, and I shall find out precisely what has happened.

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