§ 57. Major Lyonsasked the Minister of Supply to what extent he is co-operating with the appropriate authorities in Canada and in the U.S.A., respectively, in the large-scale manufacture of penicillin.
§ Mr. PeatThere is close and constant co-operation between all parties concerned, both by the exchange of information and reports and by visits of scientific and technical experts. The arrangements for the production of penicillin in Canada and the United States and this country are co-ordinated by the Combined Production and Resources Board.
§ Major LyonsIn view of the uneasy feeling the public have, first, that a monopoly has been granted for the manufacture of this drug and, secondly, that we are not pressing ahead in any degree in the manufacture of it, will the hon. Gentleman say precisely what steps are taken to co-operate in the large scale manufacture now taking place in Canada and the United States?
§ Mr. PeatTo answer my hon. and gallant Friend would take some time in detail but I can assure him that, as far as I know, no step is being omitted which would help us to get production going in this country.
§ Major LyonsBut may I ask what step is being taken and not what is not being omitted? There is a feeling that there is a monopoly in the manufacture of this drug.
§ Mr. PeatWe are in the closest co-operation with Government bodies in the United States and in Canada and with all the scientific bodies in those two countries.