HC Deb 21 June 1976 vol 913 cc389-90W
Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his assessment of the likelihood of the return to the United Kingdom of the Spanish flu virus (A/New Jersey/1–76) in the coming winter; what is the availability of appropriate vaccine; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Owen

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement in reply to the (Mr. Madel) on 25th May.—[Vol. 912, c.109–11.]

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the Advisory Group on Influenza will meet again before 31st July to review current developments on A/New Jersey (Swine) influenza.

Dr. Owen

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Madel) on 25th May—[Vol. 912, c.109–11.]—when I explained that the Advisory Group on Influenza had arranged to meet again if there was any significant change in the position.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the main elements in his surveillance at national and regional levels of A/New Jersey (Swine) influenza.

Dr. Owen

The Public Health Laboratory Service is maintaining an elaborate surveillance system to detect the possible appearance of the A/New Jersey swine influenza virus. A network of its laboratories have undertaken a special scheme involving certain general practices. All influenza virus strains isolated are sent for identification and comparison to the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, and the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill. Apart from this influenza virus, strains isolated at public health laboratories and many other laboratories are similarly sent for further study to these centres.

PHLS surveillance covers England and Wales, but close liaison is maintained with similar arrangements for Northern Ireland and Scotland, and for American Forces personnel stationed in the United Kingdom.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has maintained a separate surveillance on pig influenzas since 1968, and there is no evidence of the disease among pigs in this country.