§ 40. Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the outbreak of infantile paralysis in this country; if he is aware that in the United States of America, where the outbreak has been more serious, medical research has revealed that this complaint is caused by the exposure of uncooked foods to contamination with germs contained in dust, and that consequently a law has been passed providing in that country all such foods must be covered; will he state if his Ministry have made any inquiries into this matter; and if he is prepared to make any statement?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend understands that, although it was claimed in America that the virus of this disease had been found in the dust of sick rooms, this claim has not been confirmed, and he is advised that there is no direct evidence that the virus is in fact transmitted by uncooked food and there is no reason to think that this means of transmission of the disease is an important factor in the present prevalence.
§ Mr. REMERIs the hon. Member aware that the law referred to in the question was passed for that reason.
§ Sir K. WOODI cannot answer about that.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that they get £10 for each case they attend.