§ Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the recent fatalities which occurred at Leith's northern general hospital as a result of food poisoning; and if there will be a fatal accident inquiry.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLothian health board is at present considering the findings of its own investigation into the cause of the outbreak together with the recommendations of a report on the incident prepared by the environmental health department of Edinburgh district council. I shall study both reports and I shall want to be assured that the health board is taking all possible steps to prevent a recurrence. The incident is presently under consideration by the procurator fiscal; a decision whether to hold a fatal accident inquiry rests with my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate.