HC Deb 21 March 1923 vol 161 cc2562-3
69. Dr. WATTS

asked the Minister of Health if any investigations have been made by his Department as to the value of the Spahlinger treatment for tuber culosis; if so, what is the nature of the reports received; and, if no investigation has yet been made, will he take steps at the earliest possible date to have a thorough investigation made, as has already been done by the United States of America and other foreign Governments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. All the evidence available as to the value of this treatment has been investigated by my Department and one of the medical officers of the Ministry visited Geneva last year, and, through the courtesy of M. Spahlinger, was enabled to examine certain cases of tuberculosis which had been treated by this method. The conclusions arrived at were that although it is not yet possible to express an opinion upon the scientific value of M. Spahlinger's work from the bacterio- logical standpoint, the clinical results already obtained fully warrant farther investigation as soon as a supply of the complete serum and vaccine is available. It is understood that no definite date can yet be fixed by M. Spahlinger for the production of a further supply even for the purposes of scientific investigation. I am most anxious to encourage further trial of the remedies in this country under expert observation as soon as a supply is available.

Dr. WATTS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lives of many people suffering from tuberculosis have already been saved by the use of this serum?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have stated in my answer that, as far as we have been able to test the results, they appear to be very satisfactory, but we have not yet been able to get sufficient data to enable us to come to a final conclusion.

Lieut.-Commander ASTBURY

If I bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend several cases which have been cured entirely by the Spahlinger treatment, will he give further consideration to the matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that my hon. Friend can have listened to my reply. There is no supply of serum available at present.

Lieut.-Commander ASTBURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that M. Spahlinger is practically ruined by the cost of this serum, and has no further funds to go on with in order to produce more?

Mr. SPEAKER

The matter cannot be debated by question and answer.