HC Deb 16 January 2002 vol 378 cc350-1W
Mr. John Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the need for an inquiry into air travellers' thrombosis with specific reference to the death of Alayne Wake during a return flight from Singapore on 20 December 2001. [26896]

Mr. Spellar

The Government are aware of the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Alayne Wake and agree that there is a need to investigate the incidence, extent and causation of deep vein thrombosis among air travellers. The Government are planning to participate in the study being set up by the World Health Organisation that will cover these issues, which also will consider interventions that reduce the risk of a DVT.

Mr. John Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will set up an inquiry into the incidence, extent and causation of deep vein thrombosis among air travellers. [26895]

Mr. Spellar

The Government are planning to participate in a study of the incidence, extent and causation of deep vein thrombosis among air travellers currently being set up by the World Health Organisation. The Government therefore see no need to set up a separate inquiry.