MORNING-TEA FARE LEFT STAFF A BIT HIGH AND AWRY

Two Canberra workers were hospitalised and several others complained
of queasiness, nausea and disorientation yesterday after they
allegedly unwittingly ate hash cookies at a Christmas brunch.

The "bring-a-plate" function at the Health Insurance Commission left
the alleged bakers facing suspension or the sack.

The commission and the police ate investigating.

"Following a morning tea held today by a small work unit in the
Canberra Central Office of the Health Insurance Commission, a number
of staff required medical attention," a commission spokesman said last
night.

"It is understood that the cause of their illness was a substance
contained in food consumed at the function."

A commission spokesman said was it concerned for the welfare of all
staff.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry