§ SIR WILLIAM PRIESTLEY (Edinburgh and St. Andrews Universities)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is able to say what course he proposes to take in consequence of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Vaccination as to the lymph supply to be issued in future by the National Vaccine establishment?
§ MR. CHAPLINShortly after the issue of the Report of the Royal Commission on Vaccination I issued fresh Instructions to public vaccinators by which they are enabled, whenever they deem it desirable, to use calf lymph instead of humanised lymph. I have also been 1427 making inquiries abroad as to the preparation and employment of glycerinated calf lymph. The Report on this subject has been somewhat delayed by reason of the fact that in some Continental countries public vaccination is practically suspended during the winter months, and is only resumed in May. But, from the information already before me, it is more than probable, in my opinion, that glycerinated calf lymph will be found to present distinct advantages over other forms of vaccine lymph; and one of the points which I shall have to consider will be how far it may be practicable for me to issue a gratuitous supply of vaccine lymph in this form to all registered medical practitioners applying for it. I shall also have to consider how far any considerable change, such as is indicated, in the form or the extent of the lymph supply from the National Vaccine Establishment will be practicable pending fresh legislation on the whole question.