§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will seek a report on the relationship between the incidence of birth defects and the transmission of viruses carried by sea water contaminated with sewage effluent; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThere are no known links between viral infections of any type, including viruses transmitted through sea water, and limb reduction deformities at birth. There are therefore no plans to commission a study along the lines suggested.
With regard to investigations into reports of unusual occurrences of babies born with limb defects, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) on 1 March at column 678.