§ Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number of food poisoning cases reported in the United Kingdom by people who have been visiting EEC countries, particularly Spain; and what action he intends to take to reduce such numbers.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe information requested is not available. The total figures of food poisoning cases presumed contracted abroad for England, Wales and Scotland from 1982–85 are, however, set out in the table
588Wtogether with the total number of cases for those years. No "contracted abroad" figures are kept for Northern Ireland.
Contracted Abroad Total Cases 1982 1,627 16,839 1983 1,956 19,915 1984 2,089 22,390 1985 11,935 121,019 1Provisional If serious outbreaks involving large numbers of United Kingdom citizens are brought to our attention, the Department would contact the national authorities concerned and ask them to investigate. Should the risks be considerable, a statement might be issued to warn those about to visit the affected area.