Asylum seekers should still be put back on the Bibby Stockholm barge despite the row caused by the discovery of Legionella, the health secretary has said.

Migrants spent four days on board the barge after Legionella bacteria was discovered before they were removed, it has emerged.

Legionella bacteria can cause a potentially deadly lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease. It is contracted by people breathing in droplets of water containing the bacteria.

None of the migrants on the barge have shown any symptoms of the disease, according to the Home Office.

It is not clear where they are being moved to but the Home Office said all 39 migrants on board would be disembarked on Friday as a “precautionary measure”.

Asked whether people should be put back on the Bibby Stockholm, Mr Barclay told Sky News: “Yes, I do, because it’s costing around £6m a day in terms of the cost of hotels.

“It’s important that we both maintain safety standards, but also reflect the pressure on the taxpayer position in terms of that £6m.”.

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