§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about research indicating that flowers in water in vases may cause disease in hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonObservations from a study in the United States that potentially pathogenic bacteria can be carried in the water in flower vases have been reported in the British medical Press. These have been noted with interest, and confirm the general principle, already well established, that standing water and damp areas can 277W be hazardous to patients with diminished resistance in high risk areas of hospitals. I know of no similar research in this country.