HC Deb 09 December 1957 vol 579 cc889-90
23. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Health what so far has been the proportion of applicants for poliomyelitis inoculation to the total number who have been eligible to apply for it.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Richard Thompson)

Approximately 40 per cent. up to 30th September.

Mr. Cronin

Does not the figure the hon. Gentleman has just given suggest that the public relations side of the scheme is being rather inadequately handled? Bearing in mind that poliomyelitis could be stamped out in this country if a sufficient proportion of the population were inoculated, will he make sure that sufficient attention is given to the importance and utility of the scheme?

Mr. Thompson

No, Sir, I do not think this matter has received undue lack of attention in the Press recently. I think the public is well aware of the facilities available.

35. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Health if he will make arrangements for a third dose of poliomyelitis vaccine to be given, if desired, to those persons who have received, or who are eligible for, inoculation with poliomyelitis vaccine.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I will consider this in the light of further medical advice on the poliomyelitis vaccination programme which I expect to receive shortly.

Mr. Cronin

Bearing in mind that it is widely recognised that a third dose confers much higher protection than two doses and that the giving of three doses is the standard practice of the United States, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman see that this matter has all possible priority?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The hon. Gentleman uses the word "priority". This has, of course, to be taken in the context of the very considerable programme already placed upon the local health authorities in regard to the vaccination of the prescribed categories with the two injections.

Dr. Summerskill

But will not the Minister bear in mind that it has been revealed that two doses do not necessarily confer immunity? Would it not be better, therefore, to ensure that, as a result of giving a third dose, there are groups of people in the country who are effectively immunised rather than have a large number who may not be effectively immunised?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The evidence is not yet conclusive that a third injection is necessary to maintain an adequate level of protection, though I quite agree that it would appear that a third injection is likely to reinforce protection. On the other hand, as the right hon. Lady will appreciate, we have a very considerable programme in doing the initial two injections for all the prescribed categories. It is, therefore, a matter of making the best use of our resources.