Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 July 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assistance has been given since 19th March 1997 to the (a) development and (b) use in hospitals in Northern Ireland of new (i) paints and (ii) cleaning products able to kill known microbes; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance has been given since 19 March 1997 to the (a) development and (b) use in hospitals in Northern Ireland of new (i) paints and (ii) cleaning products able to kill known microbes; and if he will make a statement. [184780] Angela Smith: The responsibility for refurbishment and cleaning of hospitals in Northern Ireland lies with each of the hospital trusts. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety does not hold information on the use of paints and cleaning products able to kill known microbes centrally. New build facilities are however constructed to the standards specified in the NHS Estates, Health Building Notes, which provide for anti-microbial paint finishes in specialist sterile areas such as operating theatres.

Secondary information