HC Deb 24 February 1949 vol 461 cc2003-4
22. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the concern of members of the medical profession at the unsatisfactory response of patients to treatment with liver extracts, due to the extracts being prepared from animal livers unfit for human consumption; and whether he will arrange with the appropriate Minister that such liver extracts will in future be prepared only from healthy animal livers, which have been properly and individually tested clinically beforehand.

Mr. Bevan

I have had a number of complaints of this kind. It would, I fear, be impossible to adopt the suggestion of individual clinical tests, but I propose to consider with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food whether any other action should be taken. The process of extraction makes the extract quite safe.

Major Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his obvious concern in regard to this extremely serious matter will be very much welcomed by the medical profession? Would he consider with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Food the setting up of a public inquiry into this extremely serious position about which the medical profession are deeply concerned?

Mr. Bevan

If the hon. and gallant Member will look at the last part of the answer, he will see that I have said that the process of extraction makes the extract quite safe. It may be that the extract that is taken is not effective, but it is innocuous in the sense that it does not cause any harm to the patient.

Major Lloyd

It is a very serious thing. Why should it be only now, and never before the war, that livers should be taken from carcases that are entirely unfit for human consumption and used for this purpose?

Mr. Bevan

Once more a statement is being made which may have a frightening effect on the people who are taking the extract. On the best advice that I have taken, it appears that the extract, although it might not be effective for the purpose for which it is used, is quite safe.

Major Lloyd

I am entirely unsatisfied with the reply and I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.