§ 71. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the differences of opinion in the medical profession as to the utility and safety of immunisation again diphtheria and recent admissions by medical practitioners in medical magazines of severe and fatal cases of diphtheria in immunised children, he will arrange for an inquiry into the matter by a small committee, on which opponents of the practice shall have some representation, with a view to ascertaining whether and to what extent the claims made on its behalf are justified by experience?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards) on 10th November.
§ Miss HorsbrughIt was as follows:
I have seen the pamphlet mentioned. The case for immunisation against diphtheria is fully supported by medical opinion and practical experience in other countries, and, as advocacy of immunisation has been the Government's considered policy for some time past, I do not think there would be any advantage in the appointment of a committee."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th November, 1942; col. 2282, Vol. 383.]
§ Miss HorsbrughNo. We went into it in full some time ago and came to the conclusion as stated in the answer.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIf the Government make up their minds that the case for immunisation is fully proved, will they take steps to arrest the hon. Member for causing the death of innumerable children?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member must not bring accusations of that kind against another hon. Member.
§ Sir F. FremantleIt was not an accusation; it is a definite fact against a Government policy which has been decided.