Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Countess of Mar (Crossbench). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 July 2008.

Climate Change

Question: My Lords, to what extent is the Department of Health involved in discussions on policy on climate change? For example, is the Minister aware that the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus is tramping its way across the Continent at the moment? Are we prepared for it? Has Defra warned the Department of Health, as it is a vector-borne disease?

Answer: My Lords, the whole of Government are on alert for different diseases among humans. This morning I was at Wisley launching a consultation on plant diseases that have been discovered in the country only in the past five years. That may or may not be as a result of climate change or international trade, but I can assure the noble Countess that the Department of Health is fully aware and prepared for changes in the temperature and the climate as regards new diseases that will come into the country.

Secondary information