58. Mr. Robertsonasked the Minister of Supply why his Department is obstructing the visit to the U.S.A. of Mr. Gormley, of international Chemical Company, Limited, London, whose associated companies in Canada and the U.S.A. rank as the largest manufacturers of penicillin and who are prepared to put all their knowledge and experience at the disposal of the British company so that large-scale manufacture of penicillin can be commenced at the earliest moment.
§ Mr. PeatMr. Gormley has sought the support of the Ministry of Supply for his application for an exit permit to visit North America for the purpose of investigating penicillin production and for certain other purposes. In the absence of evidence that his visit would be likely to increase supplies of penicillin, I do not feel able to support his application. Technical experts are already visiting penicillin plants and mould culture establishments in America and the information they obtain as to processes and equipment will be made available to any manufacturers in this country who satisfy the Ministry of Supply that they are in a position to undertake the production of penicillin.
Mr. RobertsonIs it not a fact that my hon. Friend's Department have granted a virtual monopoly of penicillin to three or four firms only, that their output is disappointing—not 1 per cent. of the demand—and, with thousands of lives in jeopardy in the near future, why should this American and Canadian offer be refused?
§ Mr. PeatWe have not granted a monopoly to three firms. The production of penicillin at present is in its infancy and is at the experimental stage. Patent rights and any other developments which may occur during the war, have been 1276 pooled and will be made available to any manufacturer who is in a position to make penicillin.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsWho are the employers of the people already sent to the United States?
§ Sir H. WilliamsBut the hon. Gentleman said that certain experts had gone and we want to know who they represent.
Mr. Craik HendersonIs the Minister aware that the production of penicillin in the United States is far ahead of our production, and will he realise the importance of taking every possible step to increase the production in this country?
§ Mr. PeatThe production of penicillin in the United States is ahead of the production in this country but it is not adequate to the demand in the United States. We are making every effort to get information from the United States for use in this country.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsDoes the Minister not think that in view of the great advantages offered by penicillin, every possible avenue should be explored and not a moment be lost?
Mr. RobertsonIn view of the unsatisfactory answer to this Question, I give notice that I will raise the matter again at the first opportunity.