HC Deb 29 June 1992 vol 210 cc443-4W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when she received a copy of the World Health Organisation report dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals; and what response she has given;

(2) if she will make a statement on the reasons for restricting the distribution of the World Health Organisation consultation paper dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals; and if she will now publish it:

(3) if she will list those who have received a copy of the World Health Organisation consultation paper dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals;

(4) if she will place in the Library a copy of the World Health Organisation consultation paper dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals.

Mr. Sackville

I understand the report was first issued by the World Health Organisation in November 1991 on a limited basis to member Governments. However, a memorandum based on the report has not been published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation, volume 70, No. 2 at pages 183–90, and copies have been placed in the Library. We have also asked the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee to consider the report and advise on its implications.