Meningitis (Hansard, 22 February 1999)

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the cost to date of tackling the meningitis outbreak in the Bro Taf Health Authority area. [72258]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
Details of the costs incurred by Bro Taf Health Authority during the recent outbreak are not held centrally. No additional funding has been sought from the Welsh Office and no additional costs have been incurred by my Department.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the cost of advertising information relating to the meningitis outbreak to the public in Wales during the recent outbreak. [72253]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
The Department has incurred no additional expenditure: all publicity material available has been produced as part of the Department's on-going meningitis awareness campaign.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last had discussions with the National Meningitis Trust. [72260]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
Welsh Office officials have had discussions with the National Meningitis Trust and that organisation has been invited to nominate a representative to join the group that I have set up to examine meningitis in Wales.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what extra resources have been provided to the Bro Taf Health Authority to meet the cost of the meningitis outbreak. [72259]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
No additional funding has been sought by, or provided to, Bro Taf Health Authority. Each Health Authority receives an element of discretionary funding in their annual resource allocation which is for the Health Authority to spend according to their priorities in their area.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last had discussions with the Meningitis Research Foundation. [72261]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
Welsh Office officials have had discussions with the Meningitis Research Foundation and that organisation has been asked to nominate a representative to join the group that I have set up to examine meningitis in Wales.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action is being taken to educate people in South Wales about meningitis. [72257]
180W

Mr. Jon Owen Jones
A bilingual leaflet entitled "Knowing About Meningitis and Septicaemia", containing advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of meningitis, is widely available. This information is also included in the "The Guide to Childhood Immunisation" given to all new mothers.
There is also a successful yearly campaign "Look out for your mate" in universities and colleges.
Helplines and advice are made available to local people by Health Authorities when an outbreak occurs.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.