§ 9. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the statement on page 18 of the "Medical Annual" of 1952, a copy of which is available in the Library, that the mortality of burned mice is reduced by cortizone; if he is aware that the experiments on which this statement was founded were performed in this country; and what steps he takes in experiments of this nature to ensure that the pain clause contained in the certificate B granted for this work was properly observed.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI think the hon. Member has been misled. These experiments took place in Canada.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the Home Secretary aware that the article in the medical journal in which these experiments are described states:
They are startling and pathetic, to say the least"?643 As this is the kind of experiment permitted in our own laboratories will he take some action to see that information is given to the public about these matters, and not keep the whole matter secret. as at present?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThat is a different question. I was asked about specific experiments and I pursued them in the files of the "British Medical Journal." I found that they were Canadian experiments. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to call my attention to specific experiments in this country I will be glad to look into them.
§ Mr. FreemanIf it is not possible to get information about these experiments, how can I possibly direct attention to them? The whole thing is being kept behind closed doors.