§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will implement a campaign to educate pregnant women and their health carers about toxoplasmosis and its prevention in Scotland;
(2) which health authorities in Scotland provide information on infectious disease during pregnancy to pregnant women; which health authorities provide specific 367W information about the prevention of toxoplasmosis to pregnant women; which health authorities in Scotland routinely test pregnant women for toxoplasmosis; and which test pregnant women on demand for toxoplasmosis;
(3) what representations he has received on toxoplasmosis.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA new leaflet containing advice on toxoplasmosis and other infections has recently been issued to health boards by the Health Education Board for Scotland for the guidance of pregnant women. The leaflet, which is published by the Department of Health and entitled "While you are pregnant: safe eating and how to avoid infection from food and animals", encourages pregnant women to take precautions when handling and consuming food and in their contacts with animals.
Health boards do not routinely test pregnant women for toxoplasmosis and no information is available centrally about the availability of such a test on demand.
In the last 12 months, my right hon. Friend has received five inquiries about toxoplasmosis, all from hon. Members.