HC Deb 20 June 1955 vol 542 cc1030-1
48. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a further statement regarding the use of Salk vaccine in the experimental treatment of poliomyelitis in Great Britain.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Wade) on 17th June.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Whilst we welcome the fact that we in this country are to proceed with care and caution and proper research before using this vaccine publicly, may I ask whether the Minister is satisfied that satisfactory facilities and provision of appliances for research work are now being made?

Mr. Macleod

That is one of the matters on which, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Scotland, I have asked to be advised by the Central Health Services Council. The Medical Research Council are, of course, already giving thought to that question.

Mr. Hastings

Is this vaccine still being manufactured in this country by the two firms which the right hon. Gentleman named in a previous discussion?

Mr. Macleod

I think it is only in active production by one of the firms I mentioned earlier in this House.