HC Deb 17 February 1944 vol 397 cc328-9
29. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the production and use of home-made penicillin by those who have concentrated upon the matter; and whether he will consider co-operating with those responsible for intimating their case-notes on the topic so as to increase the availability of this aid which is yet in short supply.

Mr. Willink

I am aware that some research workers have published notes on so-called home-made penicillin. I appreciate the importance of this work, but I am advised that the small-scale production of this substance is attended by special difficulties of purification and standardisation. I should certainly be glad to receive all information relative to the production and application of penicillin.

Major Lyons

Will my right hon. and learned Friend do what he can in his Department to speed up the manufacture of this commodity in all ways possible and prevent mass-scale production getting into monopolistic hands?

Commander Locker-Lampson

Whose property is penicillin?

Mr. Levy

If competent manufacturers capable of manufacturing penicillin apply for licences to produce it, will these licences be granted?

Mr. Speaker

That is another question.