§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has regarding the spread of hospital-induced infections by the transmission of pathogenic organisms by pests.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have no evidence to suggest this is a significant factor.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many of the 77 serious outbreaks of hospital infection reported to the public health laboratory service in the last five years the source of the infection was established; in how many of the hospitals there was evidence of pest infestation; and in what proportion of cases this was considered to have contributed to or cause the outbreak.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not have information in the form requested.