Changes to port health inspections "risky"

More people could be at risk from infectious diseases if the way health inspections are carried out changes at a major UK port.

A number of budget cuts have already been made to the service which checks cargo and crew for infections like rabies and bird flu, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

Chief port health inspector at Hull Port Laurence Dettman told reporters any other changes would be unacceptable.

However, the future provision of the service hangs in the balance as the authority's board discusses options - ranging from putting the health service out to tender to transferring responsibility to local councils.

Mr Dettman said the decision would be "the most pivotal in the authority's 120-year history as a joint board".

Currently the service is jointly run by three local councils in Hull, North Lincolnshire and East Riding.

The changes may be made under a best value review, which are ordered for public services to increase efficiency by central government.

Health officials have been carrying out hygiene inspections on visiting ships since 1888.