§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to deal with the potential public health risks from the transformation of the simian herpes B virus from macaques held in zoos and safari parks; and if he will make a statement. [120133]
104W
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 2 May 2000]: The Government are aware of the potential health risks of simian herpes B virus. Under health and safety legislation, as well as ensuring the health and safety of employees, employers also have to ensure that others, eg members of the public, are not exposed to risks arising from the work. Local authorities are responsible for health and safety in zoos and safari parks. The Health and Safety Executive has alerted local authority enforcement officers to the potential health risks and has given guidance on action to take should any subsequent cases arise.