§ Mr. Leachasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the machinery of the Civil Service is being used on behalf of the Prophit Trust, letters being sent officially to the staff at the money order office asking them to volunteer to undergo an examination consisting of an X-ray photograph of the chest and a skin test; whether this skin test would be either the von Pirquet or the Mantoux tuberculin test; whether he is aware that there is a considerable difference of opinion in medical circles as to the significance of skin tests in tuberculosis and that the injection of tuberculin into the skin has occasioned a violent reaction in susceptible individuals; and whether he will stop this exploitation of young civil servants in the interests of a form of research which may damage the health of those undergoing it and cannot lead to any certain results?
§ Major TryonI am aware that the Royal College of Physicians are carrying out, on behalf of the Prophit Trust, a large scale research with a view to the early detection and prevention of tuberculosis in young adults, and that, with the previously obtained concurrence of the staff associations concerned, they have been allowed to ask for volunteers among the Post Office staff, including the staff at the Money Order Department. The whole scheme is on an entirely voluntary basis, and there is no element of compulsion whatsoever. The Mantoux test is used and it is the efficacy of this test which is the subject of investigation. I am advised that no danger is involved 1407 and that the voluntary co-operation in this matter of young civil servants, amongst others, may be the means of very practical assistance in the campaign against pulmonary tuberculosis.
§ Mr. LeachWhose will be the responsibility in the event of the illness or possibly the death of any of these young girls, who dare not refuse to undergo the operation referred to in the question?
§ Major TryonThe statement that these people dare not refuse is directly contrary to the facts. As I have just told the hon. Member, they volunteer.
§ Mr. LeachHow are they to know that this operation is not with the sanction and approval of the Department, and that if they decline to undergo it they may not risk their jobs?
§ Major TryonThey can accept my assurance, made now, that the hon. Member's statement is entirely inaccurate.
§ Mr. LeachCan I have an answer from the Postmaster-General to my question? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me whose will be the responsibility in the event of sickness or death?
§ Major TryonI am assured that there is no risk, and I am not prepared to undertake the responsibility of obstructing this research work.