To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the likely effects on the rapidity of the spread of hospital-acquired infections of (a) the use of disposable blood pressure cuffs, (b) the practice of infusing hospital equipment with silver ion particles and (c) banning hospital staff from wearing neckties. (304146)

Devices such as silver alloy coated catheters aim to prevent infections rather than reduce transmission. Although specific information on the effect of blood pressure cuffs and neckties on transmissions is not available, they will be expected to contribute if part of a systematic approach to infection control. However, manufacturers of new devices are able to submit their products to the Rapid Review Panel for evaluation.