Inquiry deal as E.coli cases rise

E.coli outbreak timeline Outbreak numbers 'peak' 'Cinderella service' claim

A deal has been struck to settle a row over an inquiry into the south Wales E.coli outbreak as the number of cases rose again to 144.

Labour and the opposition in the Welsh assembly have reached a compromise to decide the type of inquiry it will be.

The opposition had threatened to veto assembly business over unhappiness with ministers' assurances that it would be as independent and open as possible.

Now a cross-party committee will look into what form the inquiry will take.

I believe that holding it in public is vital for public confidence Lib Dem Jenny Randerson on the inquiry

Agreement was reached as AMs held a full debate on the outbreak on Wednesday, and as cases went up from 122 the day before. Children in five new schools were also affected.

But health officials said the outbreak was in decline, with most people falling ill before control measures were introduced.

Meanwhile, Nathan Henna, a lawyer representing John Tudor and Son of Bridgend, the meat supplier linked to the outbreak, said a second batch of tests had proved negative. He plans to meet local council officials.

But a National Public Health Service of Wales spokesman would not comment on individual test results. He said levels of contamination were low and would not be found in every result.

Opposition AMs could have halted assembly business because they outnumber the minority Labour assembly government.

Dr Gibbons said the large number of children affected remains "a concern for us all"

But the deal means the new committee will start its work within a couple of weeks. It is understood that the committee of six will have three Labour AMs and three from the opposition, who will also provide the chairman.

In the assembly chamber, Plaid Cymru group leader Ieuan Wyn Jones backed parents who wanted a public inquiry and said it might be necessary to have the power to compel people to attend and give evidence.

"The first thing we wanted to ensure was that the inquiry would be held in public - in other words, there would be open sessions with witnesses giving evidence and that evidence would be reported," said Mr Jones.

It is important that the inquiry in public does not prejudice due legal action that will take place on the back of this Health Minister Brian Gibbons

Liberal Democrat Jenny Randerson said the issue of whether the inquiry should be public was being "dodged" by the assembly government.

"I believe that holding it in public is vital for public confidence. We need to lift this issue beyond party politics and create cross-party consensus," she said.

Conservative Jonathan Morgan said the protection of the health and well-being of young children was "absolutely paramount".

'Culture of accountability'

Labour's Leighton Andrews, AM for Rhondda, where many schools have been affected, said he could understand why families were considering legal action.

Mr Andrews said a "culture of accountability" was important and warned that people did not believe the outcome of inquiries "when people are not seen to take the rap".

Health Minister Brian Gibbons denied dodging the issue and reiterated that the assembly government had always said the inquiry would be open and transparent.

But Dr Gibbons also told AMs: "It is important that the inquiry in public does not prejudice due legal action that will take place on the back of this."

The new schools affected are Ysgol Yr Eos, Penygraig, and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Abercynon, (both Rhondda Cynon Taf), Rhydri Primary and Hendre Infants (both Caerphilly) and Ynysawdre Comprehensive, Bridgend.

It is thought the source of the bacterium was a supplier of cooked meats for schools.

In Wednesday afternoon's debate, AMs had the opportunity to talk about the outbreak, although the setting up of a full public inquiry was not due for discussion.

Cases of E.coli have also emerged in the Vale of Glamorgan, in a boy aged 12 from Stanwell Comprehensive, Penarth, and in the Meirionnydd area of Gwynedd.

But there is no confirmation that they are linked to the south Wales outbreak.

Gwynedd Council said it did not expect it to be connected, and officials were investigating the possible source of infection.