§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to prevent, contain and treat outbreaks of meningitis in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe evidence at present is that meningitis in Scotland is confined to sporadic cases with no significant upsurge in numbers beyond anticipated variation. We are, however, keeping the situation under close review.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research is being undertaken to deal with outbreaks of meningitis in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Scottish Home and Health Department is not at present funding any research project
716W
Reserve Region Hectares Tenure New reserves Mealdarroch, Strathclyde region South-West 205 Owned by Nature Conservancy Council
§ Mr. Peter Walker[holding answer 19 January 1988]: The numbers employed in agriculture in Wales are given in the following table:
relating to meningitis but assistance has been offered by the Scottish Hospital Endowments Research Trust for one such project.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultation has taken place with health authorities south of the border to learn lessons from recent meningitis outbreaks in England.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy officials are in regular contact with their counterparts in England and are being kept fully informed on the recent outbreaks of meningtis there.