To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases there have been of salmonella food poisoning, and where they have been over the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

About 137,000 cases of salmonella infection including food-borne infection were reported from laboratories in England and Wales between 1977 and 1987. Evidence suggests the greatest proportion of these were outbreaks affecting families in the home. A smaller number of outbreaks were associated with restaurants/receptions, hospitals and other institutions. The Government acknowledge the problem and studies have identified a number of measures to help deal with it. Of particular importance is the imminent distribution of a trial information leaflet advising the public about good hygienic practice in the domestic kitchen.