What discussions she has had with devolved Governments on the measures required to reassure the public in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza.

The UK influenza pandemic contingency plan, which was relaunched by the chief medical officer for England last week, was developed with the co-operation of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. My officials also meet their opposite numbers in the devolved Administrations on a monthly basis to discuss the wide range of pandemic flu communication issues. We recognise the need to have clear, factual information about pandemic flu available to the public, and we have responded to that need.

I thank my hon. Friend for that comprehensive answer. A large number of elderly people live in my Constituency. Over the weekend, press reports exaggerated what is happening. For instance, one paper carried the headline, "Bird flu is in Britain"—the word "is" was underlined—and followed it up with

"two million under threat as the killer virus arrives".

That is obviously not true. Will my hon. Friend meet the media and try to alleviate the problem that they cause by frightening people, in particular the elderly, who are at risk from any kind of flu?

My hon. Friend has made an important point. The Government, the media and our communities need to work together to make sure that we get clear, factual information across to the public. People have been confused by some of the reports. Avian flu affects birds, but presents a very low risk to the general population in Europe. Pandemic flu, the issue about which we are concerned, does not yet exist and involves a strain of flu passing from person to person. We should work together to make sure that those points are clear. I am pleased to say that a pack is being sent to help clinical professionals such as GPs and primary care workers and their patients understand the facts, and I understand that the devolved Administrations are following that scheme.

Is the Minister content that preparation in Northern Ireland is as advanced as that anywhere else in the United Kingdom, particularly when it comes to stockpiling antiviral drugs, and will she reassure the people of Northern Ireland that that is the case?

As I told my hon. Friend John Robertson, we are working closely with everybody throughout this country and beyond—Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. We are considering the matter collectively to make sure that everybody has equal access to the necessary services and information. I will examine the issue and write to the hon. Lady.

Is my hon. Friend worried about the outbreak of avian flu in quarantine? The parrot seems to have been infected by being too closely connected with Taiwanese birds. Is she in touch with Ministers from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the lessons that need to be learned on the importation of birds from areas in which avian flu is more prevalent, so that we can reduce the risk of the avian flu virus getting out of quarantine?

As we speak, in Europe the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is discussing imports of exotic birds. On quarantine rules, there are no instructions that prevent different batches of birds from being mixed, but the quarantine period for all birds starts from the date on which the last batch of birds entered quarantine. Birds are kept for 30 days, provided that all disease tests are negative, and they are released only on the instruction of a vet from the state veterinary service. We should all be reassured that that parrot was identified and dealt with, which means that we are still avian flu-free in the United Kingdom.

Given the various scenarios offered in last week's contingency plan, have the Minister's discussions extended to an assessment of available bed space? Will UK contingency planning include a review of the current programme of intermediate care bed closures? That issue is highlighted by early-day motion 752, which was tabled by me and my hon. Friend Mr. Lansley and which has been signed by more than 70 hon. Members.

I understand that Opposition Members paid tribute in last week's debate to the way in which our emergency services prepare for different scenarios. Operational guidance to help NHS planners prepare for the pandemic has been provided, and clinical management and infection control guidelines have also been published for comment. The discussion is ongoing, and we seek to learn and listen—[Interruption.] Issues such as bed spaces and the provision of services are under discussion.