§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of Wales how many deaths were recorded in Wales in 1978 from hydatidosis; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Barry JonesIn the first six months of 1978 there was one death in Wales from hydatidosis. Figures for 1968 and 1969 are not readily available and those for the second half of 1978 are not yet to hand. The numbers of deaths in other years were:
1970 2* 1971 4 1972 1 1973 2 1974–77 None * Including deaths in Wales of persons not usually resident in Wales. Hydatidosis in humans results mainly from contact with infected dogs. Health education officers and Government veterinary officers are working to improve awareness of ways of avoiding the disease.