Mogden mosquitoes prompt questions to ministers

5.07.42pm GMT Mon 24th Nov 2003

After the publication last week of alarming figures from consultants documenting the spread of mosquitoes from Mogden sewage works, MP Vincent Cable has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Dr Reid, asking him to publish a statement from the Chief Medical Officer on the possible health risks.

The survey showed that 58% of all road drains within 1000 meters of the plant - including north Twickenham and Whitton - are infected as are all local schools and water butts in allotments.

He said: "Recently, when I chaired a meeting of residents and Thames Water, it was becoming clear that the link between mosquitoes and the Mogden works - which Thames Water long denied - had a firm scientific base. Now there is hard evidence of the extent and spread of infestation."

"With senior government scientific advisers telling us that there is a danger of particularly nasty germs getting into the country and being spread by mosquitoes, it is essential that we have a prompt and scientifically based statement from the government on the risks. And the current spraying must be intensified."

"I am also concerned to hear that the recent £6 million odour reduction investment is still insufficient and that another £20 million programme - starting in April 2005 - is going to be needed to get on top of the problem. I am at a loss to understand why Thames Water didn't do the job properly from the outset rather than through half backed schemes that then have to be augmented".