HC Deb 30 July 1931 vol 255 cc2442-3
33. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the testimonials that have been sent to him as to the efficacy of the treatment for tuberculosis called Umckaloabo and in view of the importance of finding a cure for tuberculosis, he will reconsider his decision and instruct his experts to reexamine this method of treatment and to use every means at his disposal to make this treatment known to the public?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The testimonials sent to me by the hon. Member have been considered by my advisers, and I find no reason to reconsider my view that there is not sufficient ground for instituting a clinical investigation into the value of this alleged remedy for tuberculosis.

Mr. MUFF

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the name?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I am afraid that I cannot pronounce it.

Mr. SMITHERS

In view of the numerous testimonials which prove the efficiency of this treatment, will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision and have more inquiries made?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The hon. Member is much in the same position as I am. We are both laymen, and I must rely on my advisers.

Mr. SMITHERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask his advisers to reconsider this matter, and go into it again in view of these testimonials?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Since the hon. Gentleman has shown such interest in it, I have done so, and their advice is the same as it was before.

Mr. SMITHERS

Why could not the right hon. Gentleman say so before?