HC Deb 20 March 1997 vol 292 c814W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to the medical profession in diagnosing and treating A. simplex allergy; and if he will make a statement. [21233]

Mr. Horam

The diagnosis and treatment of allergies are matters for the medical profession. There are no reports of this type of allergy in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the link between delays in gutting fish and the increase of A. simplex allergy; and if he will make a statement. [21228]

Mr. Horam

Current practices in the United Kingdom fishing industry mean that the parasite A. simplex is unlikely to be present in fish purchased in this country.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have contracted A. simplex allergy from contaminated fish in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [21234]

Mr. Horam

The information requested is not collected centrally.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to those at risk from A. simplex allergy; and if he will make a statement. [21229]

Mr. Horam

We are not aware of any reports of this type of allergy in the United Kingdom. Current practices in the UK fishing industry mean that the parasite A. simplex is unlikely to be present in fish purchased in this country.