HC Deb 17 July 1986 vol 101 cc615-6W
Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will instruct health authorities to equip all hospitals with chlorinators in order to combat legionnaire's disease.

Mr. Hayhoe

A wide number of control measures to combat legionnaire's disease are under consideration and it seems likely that a number of different methods will emerge as being effective. Appropriate action will then be taken.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that all waterspray nozzles are removed from National Health Service hospitals so as to prevent outbreaks of legionnaire's disease.

Mr. Hayhoe

I understand that available evidence indicates that the removal of water spray nozzles will not prevent outbreaks of legionnaire's disease if the hot and cold water distribution system itself is contaminated. The advice to health authorities on this subject is to maintain distribution systems within a safe range, ensuring the integrity of tank covers and the cleanliness of tanks and storage vessels.