Vince Cable

Further to reports of Hampton and LEH Schools being closed because of a suspected Swine Flu cases, Vincent Cable MP has questioned Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, in Parliament to give clearer guidance as to when Tamiflu jabs should be given for prophylactic (ie preventative) cases who are not yet infected.

Vincent Cable said: "The school incidents seem to have been dealt with sensibly on advice from the Health Protection Agency following the precedent of other suspected cases in London schools.

"I am, however, concerned at other cases affecting residents where there is more risk of infection than in the schools, but where there is confusion over policy. I am awaiting a reply to two urgent letters to the Secretary of State, Alan Johnson, about airline cabin crew who are travelling to countries like Mexico but are not being issued with Tamiflu.

"Despite travelling in unhygienic conditions where germs spread easily, BA has been resisting pressure to protect staff. In Parliament, Alan Johnson assured me that he will be raising the issue with the company."