§ 25. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether his medical advisers, who are pressing parents to have their schoolchildren inoculated against diphtheria, will give statistics of how many inoculations are necessary and for how long a period immunity is understood to be secured; and whether his Department accepts responsibility in the event of any mishap, fatal or other, arising from the inoculation?
§ Mr. E. BrownImmunisation of children against diphtheria necessitates two, or at most three, injections of the prophylactic. It is considered that immunity, once established, persists for years and perhaps for life. The answer to the last part of the Question is "No." As my hon. Friend is aware, inoculation is carried out only with the written consent of the parent of guardian of the child concerned.
§ Mr. LeachIf the facts with regard to this policy are as nebulous as the Minister suggests in his Answer, what is the value of the policy?
§ Mr. BrownI think my Answer was very precise. My definition of "nebulous" disagrees with that of the hon. Member, but I think I have the dictionary on my side.
§ Mr. LeachIs it not true that the right hon. Gentleman does not know how many inoculations are necessary or how long an inoculation lasts?