§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the scientific basis for the assumption in the report of the joint working group on salmonella in eggs that a multiplication factor of 100 is appropriate in estimating total salmonella infections from recorded cases.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe report does not make this assumption, but it does quote some American practice of using a multiplication factor of 100.
The public health laboratory service considers that there is considerable under-reporting of salmonella food poisoning, because not all affected persons consult a doctor, and those that do may not have a culture taken. Even when doctors secure positive results, the cases may not be reported. However, it is difficult to assess the degree of under-reporting of salmonella food poisoning in England and Wales as no specific studies of this question have been made.
There is therefore no multiplier which can be specifically applied to this country.
§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has any plans to establish an independent inquiry into food poisoning.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeAn expert committee is to be established on microbiological safety in food. It will report to me and my hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but it will have an independent chairman. Its members will include outside experts and Government advisers—for example, scientists or those with practical experience in the production, processing, retailing or preparation of food in the home or in catering. It will investigate issues referred to it by Departments, but it will also be able to initiate its own investigations. Its reports will be published.