§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken to control multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus in British hospitals; how many deaths were caused by this organism in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe division of hospital infection of the public health laboratory service, and other interested parties in the NHS, are taking a close interest in this area and are monitoring the situation with care. Deaths caused by multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus are not notifiable and precise figures are not available. However, there is no evidence that the number of deaths caused by this organism is large.