§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representation he has received during the last 12 months on head lice; and what assessment he has made of current trends in the incidence of head lice in children of primary school age. [50766]
§ Ms JowellWe have received occasional representations on the effect that head louse infestation can have upon children and their families. Information on trends in the number of cases of head lice amongst children of primary school age is not collected centrally. Cases are not notifiable and are generally detected and treated within the family home, making accurate counting difficult. The Department will continue to work with the Department for Education and Employment to promote best practice in detection and treatment of this problem.