HC Deb 21 July 1960 vol 627 c59W
68. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the illness which affected 100 children at Cambridge Street School, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Wednesday, 6th July, after eating school dinners.

Mr. K. Thompson

One hundred and eighty children and 11 adults were taken ill after eating the school dinner. Seventy-six pupils and teachers were admitted to hospital. Some left the same day and all were discharged by the following Saturday. Bacteriological tests of samples of all food served were undertaken. At first these showed negative results, but later a small number of staphylococci were isolated and investigation is continuing, but laboratory tests are not likely to be completed for another ten days. Examination of the kitchen staff and premises has shown no immediate cause for the outbreak. I am looking further with the Authority into the arrangements in the kitchen.