§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many cases of food poisoning in hospital premises were reported in England in the years 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many cases of food poisoning in hospital premises were reported in the (a) Yorkshire area and (b) York district in the years 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 24 May 1984, c. 510]: The number of outbreaks of food poisoning in hospital premises in England and Wales reported to the communicable diseases surveillance centre was 1979–37, 1980–37, 1981–12, 1982–39 and 1983– 36.
The number of outbreaks in Yorkshire and York is not readily available centrally and my hon. Friend may like to consult the authorities concerned.
We expect health authorities to investigate fully the causes of any outbreak of food poisoning in hospitals and to take the necessary steps to avoid a re-occurence. I understand this action has been taken in the case of the recent outbreak in York.