§ 2. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what is the present position with regard to research into the causes of the common cold; and what step are to be taken in this country to develop the use of the vaccine which has been used successfully in the United States of America to give effective protection against several types of adenoviruses which tend to produce febrile catarrh.
§ Mr. VosperAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) on 17th December last. As regards the second part, the significance of infection with the adeno-viruses and the value of vaccines as a means of protection for susceptible groups are at present being studied at several centres in this country.
§ Mr. Gresham CookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that in an experiment with Service men in the United States, 311 men were vaccinated with this vaccine, of whom only 4.8 per cent. developed febrile catarrh, whereas among 313 Service men who were not so vaccinated no less than 23 per cent. developed febrile catarrh? In view of that very satisfactory result, does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is important that we should press ahead with the research and the application of research into these vaccines?
§ Mr. VosperCertainly, but my hon. Friend must not confuse the common cold with febrile catarrh. The adenovirus has been effective so far as catarrh is concerned, and is likely very soon to be marketed commercially in this country; but as far as the common cold is concerned there is no such vaccine, and research is continuing.