§ 17. Dr. Strossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he has noted the experiments carried out last year in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, whereby immunisation against influenza is achieved by the use of dried, live vaccine, polytype A, A1 and B; and what progress of a similar nature has been made in Britain, and with what results.
§ Mr. BevinsI have noted that a brief report of the work in the U.S.S.R. has appeared in this country. Experiments on similar lines have been carried out in this country at the World Influenza Centre at Mill Hill, and also in Australia and the United States, but they have not yet resulted in the production of an effective live influenza vaccine.
§ Dr. StrossHas the Parliamentary Secretary noted the claims made in Russia to the effect that 80 or even 90 per cent. successful immunisation can be achieved by using this type of vaccine as a nasal spray? Will the Minister bring these facts to the notice of the Centre and ask whether it is possible to have a similar preparation made available for tests in this country?
§ Mr. BevinsAs I say, similar experiments have taken place at Mill Hill, but they have not produced any demonstrable reaction in volunteers. I have seen the report to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but it is very sketchy indeed. I do not believe all that I read.