A CONFIDENTIAL report into the tuberculosis (TB) outbreak at a Newport school earlier this year was finally made public yesterday.

But the three-page report, carried out by Dr Lika Nehaul, of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Wales), says nothing of the source of the disease.

South Wales East AM William Graham yesterday called for a "full published inquiry" into the outbreak at Duffryn High School, saying there was no reason the source should remain a secret.

Mr Graham said: "This is a matter for public concern. It is in the interest of open and transparent government that we know. I would call for a full published inquiry.

"The point is, they're making a mountain out of a molehill. It's not a question of alarm and we're not trying to find out who exactly it started with. We are just trying to find out the source so we canmake sure it doesn't happen again."

Councillor Bob Bright, cabinet member for community safety at Newport council, was given a copy of the report marked confidential in October, but refused to accept it until it was made public.

The report simply notes that the outbreak began in February 2001, when a Year 10 pupil at the school was diagnosed with TB, and that this led to the screening of the year group. It adds that after further cases were identified in Year 10, screening was extended to pupils in other years, staff at the school and other social contacts of the children diagnosed.

A review of public health management at the school during the outbreak showed that action was taken promptly. A total of 958 of the 1,080 pupils attended screening. There were ten diagnosed cases - eight in Year 10.

Councillor Garry Brown, whose ward includes Duffryn High, said he could not understand why there had been so much secrecy. He said: "This is crazy. What have they been keeping secret? Have they kept anything out?

"If it was just going to be a normal report why were they so secretive, letting people's imaginations run away with them?"

But Duffryn High's head teacher, David Snashall, said he was content with the report. Mr Snashall said: "While we have some curiosity about where the event started, what was always the major concern was once it was identified we responded positively."

Stephen Davison, head of public protection at the council, said: "There is no significant difference in terms of this report and the previous one, deemed to be confidential. The difference relates to information on TB and national guidance. I am clearly pleased this information is now available to put minds at rest."