HC Deb 13 June 1955 vol 542 cc249-50
13. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to vaccinate groups of children in Britain against poliomyelitis; and what type of vaccine is to be used.

Mr. Iain Macleod

A member of the staff of the Medical Research Council has just returned from a visit to the United States where he has been studying the latest developments. His report is at present being considered. I expect to make a fuller statement to the House at an early opportunity.

Dr. Stross

Is it not a fact that some of the tragic results of the use of the Salk vaccine in the United States were due to the fact that the virus in the vaccine was not completely killed? If it is used here, may we take it that the greatest care will be taken to see that no such accident occurs?

Mr. Macleod

It seems probable that the explanation of the Cutter vaccine incident was that it contained live virus, as the hon. Member says. We in this country will be content only with the very highest standards before we go ahead.