Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of meningitis there are currently in hospitals in Northern Ireland, what consultations he has had with health authorities in Great Britain about the present meningitis outbreaks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamThere were eight patients in hospitals in Northern Ireland suffering from meningitis on 13 January 1988. This figure can fluctuate daily. There is no known connection between any of the present cases. There has been no significant change recently in the incidence of the disease in the Province and there is no evidence to link any of the existing cases with the recent outbreaks in England and Wales. My officials have been maintaining close contact with their counterparts at the Department of Health in London on this matter and this will continue.