§ 14. Mr. Leachasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the sub-committee which recently reported on the practical application of diphtheria immunisation in Scotland, and ascertained the number of children immunised in Edinburgh and other particulars in regard to diphtheria immunisation in that city, did not also obtain details, known to be available in the medical officer's office, of the number of cases of diphtheria and deaths from that disease in immunised and non-immunised children?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)In Edinburgh much of the diphtheria immunisation has been done by general practitioners, and accurate information whether individual children were or were not immunised was not available either to the Public Health Department or to hospitals where cases of diphtheria were treated. Such particulars as were available were approximate only and were therefore not regarded by the Scientific Advisory Committee as appropriate for inclusion in their report.
§ Mr. LeachWill my right hon. Friend take care to be on the look-out for medical testimony which is suppressed when it turns against the particular views held by those suppressing it?
§ Mr. JohnstonYes, Sir, and I may say that since the start of the present immunisation campaign steps have been taken to see that Edinburgh maintains its record on a proper statistical basis.
§ Mr. MaxtonAre not the doctors instructed to report all cases of immunisation?
§ Mr. JohnstonI think that that is so.