HC Deb 08 December 1978 vol 959 cc829-30W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, when he expects to publish the report of the committee investigating the recent smallpox outbreak at Birmingham university.

Mr. Ennals:

I hope to receive this report by the end of the year, and it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible thereafter. I am, however, advised that, as procedings against Birmingham University have now been initiated by the Health and Safety Executive, the report cannot be published before the conclusion of the proceedings. But the fact that pro- ceedings are pending will not prevent copies being made available in confidence to the employer and unions directly affected, and I shall see that they receive them as soon as they can be made available.