HC Deb 12 March 1929 vol 226 cc984-5
48. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the making of a grant to the Medical Research Council or any other body for the purposes of research into the pathology of influenza?

Mr. SAMUEL

An inclusive grant-in-aid is made each year to the council from the Vote for Scientific Investigation (Class IV 8). The council has discretion to allocate any part of the grant to the purpose suggested, if it should think fit.

Mr. MALONE

Is the hon. Member aware of the very high death-rate due to this malady in the last few months, and the apparent inability of the medical profession to deal with it? Have not the Government some responsibility in seeing that this particular research is carried out?

Mr. SAMUEL

I am aware of this un fortunate malady, but a question specifically relating to it should be addressed to the Minister of Health, who, I have no doubt, will deal with it.

Dr. DAVIES

Is the hon. Member aware that the medical profession throughout the world are making deep and profound research into this question?