HARRY Cohen has called for a public health warning to be issued about the risk of spreading swine flu by kissing.

The Leyton MP, who is standing down at the next election, asked Andy Burnham, health secretary, to issue a public health warning about the perils of kissing, “including a two-cheek greeting.”

But Mr Cohen's plea was given short shrift by public health minister Gillian Merron in a written Commons response.

She said: “The department will not be issuing a public health warning.

“We have consistently advised that symptomatic people should stay at home while ill to avoid infecting others.

“People can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of spreading influenza by routinely adopting high standards of personal and respiratory hygiene.”

Mr Cohen says he is stepping down because of stress caused by the expenses scandal.

He declared a property in his constituency as his second home, despite it being just eight miles from Westminster.

Earlier this month Mr Cohen refused to reveal whether he has been asked by Sir Thomas Legg to repay any money he claimed.

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