HC Deb 06 April 1950 vol 473 cc1353-4
42. Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some people are allergic to iodine; and how he proposes to avoid causing grave inconvenience together with a risk of serious illness to such people when he requires all salt for human consumption to be iodised.

Mr. Bevan

I am advised that there is no evidence whatever that the addition of a salt of iodine in the very minute quantities proposed would have any adverse effects.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

But if the addition of the salt is effective in stopping goitre, which is its purpose, is it not possible that it might be also effective in other directions, for instance, in the case of those who are allergic to iodine?

Mr. Bevan

I can understand the hon. Member's anxieties in this matter, but it has been fully examined by the Medical Research Council. I can assure him that even those who would be allergic to iodine would not be affected by the minute quantities which, however, would still be effective in preventing goitre.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I wrote to him this morning, bringing a specific case of this nature to his attention? Will he reconsider the whole matter?

Mr. Bevan

I have not yet seen the letter, but I will certainly examine it very carefully when I see it.