§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment the Food Standards Agency has made of the evidence concerning a cluster of new variant CJD cases in Leicestershire. [131484]
§ Yvette CooperI am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it is aware of the recent cases of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD) in Leicestershire, and welcomes the investigation which is currently underway986W to look into the circumstances of the apparent cluster. This may provide a useful opportunity to learn more about the possible causes of vCJD. The agency has asked to be kept in close touch with developments and has offered any assistance that may be required. The results of the investigation will be carefully considered once they are available.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2000,Official Report, column 786W, regarding BSE, if his Department's investigation into the cluster of new variant CJD cases in Leicestershire will use as the basis of its investigation his Department's own assessment of the hierarchy, by method of transmission, of the likelihood of risk of transmission of BSE. [133500]
§ Yvette CooperThe investigation of the apparent cluster of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease currently under way will look for any common links of exposure. This will include examination of the medical records of patients and their dietary and occupational histories.