B.C.G. Vaccine

HC Deb 16 October 1952 vol 505 c373

24. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Health whether B.C.G. vaccine is now being manufactured in this country.

Mr. Iain Macleod

No, Sir. Manufacture in this country will be considered as soon as the level of requirements justifies this course.

Mr. Remnant

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a considerable amount is being imported by air and that at present its manufacture here is illegal under the Therapeutic Substances Act? Will he at least give permission, by law if necessary, for it to be manufactured here?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, Sir, I am aware of those matters. We import from Copenhagen and Paris, but the amount involved at present totals only £1,600 a year, and until the use of B.C.G. becomes more widely approved I do not think there is any point in changing the present position.