§ 30. Mr. CRAWFURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the recently discovered anti-distemper vaccine is an effective preventive of that disease; and, if so, whether the Government is prepared to give aid in making its application universal?
Mr. GUINNESSI am aware that the "Field" Distemper Research Committee 1687 has recently announced that an effective method of vaccinating dogs against distemper has been discovered. I understand that the Committee has offered to assist commercial laboratories or institutions willing to prepare the vaccine and make it available to the public. No public funds are available to assist the preparation or distribution of the vaccine. The Ministry's responsibility in respect of diseases of the dog is confined to diseases, such as rabies, which are communicable to farm livestock or human beings.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDAs this vaccine is an effective preventive, does it not mark a very important milestone in the treatment of dogs, and cannot the Government recommend a grant to help to make it universal?
Mr. GUINNESSI agree with what the hon. Gentleman says as to the importance of this discovery, but I do not see any necessity for a Government grant, seeing that the discovery has passed the experimental stage, and there is every hope that it will be taken up in the ordinary course by those whose business it is to supply these vaccines.