§ 46. Mr. John Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council to what extent the Medical Research Council and other similar organisations have been concerned during the past year with investigation into the cause and cure of the common cold; what sums have been expended on this research; and what results have been attained.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe Medical Research Council, with the co-operation of the Ministry of Health, have continued to maintain research into the nature and transmission of the infection, using human volunteers, at the Harvard Hospital, Salisbury. The cost to the Council during the last financial year was approximately £9,500, exclusive of hospital accommodation and services provided by the Ministry of Health. Useful progress has been made, but there are as yet no results capable of practical application.
§ Mr. LewisIs it not revealed in my right hon. Friend's reply that a totally inadequate sum is being spent on investigation into this matter, which quite obviously is costing the nation many millions of pounds every year?
§ Mr. MorrisonIf I was quite sure that by going to the Treasury and asking for a substantial addition we would automatically solve the problem, I assure my hon. Friend that I would do so and I agree with him that it would pay, but money spent upon research must be governed by the likely practical results from the expenditure. We are doing all we can.
§ Mr. Lewis:How can one possibly say what the likely results will be unless money is spent on research?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a very wasteful philosophy.
§ 47. Mr. J. Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council if he will give an estimate of the cost to the nation of illness resulting from the incidence of the common cold.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am sorry, but there are no statistics sufficiently complete to provide a basis for an estimate which would have any reliable value.