HC Deb 28 January 1957 vol 563 cc653-4
14. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Health if he is prepared to extend the use of Bacillus Calnette-Guerin for young people up to the age of 21 years.

Mr. Vosper

I will consider the question of some extension of the present arrangements when local health authorities have had longer experience in vaccinating 13-year-old children and in the light of further reports from the Medical Research Council on its trials of the vaccine.

Mr. Remnant

Can my right hon. Friend assure me 'that there will be no difficulty in doing that—if it is thought advisable—due to any shortage of the serum?

Mr. Vosper

I do not think so. If any health authority now feels that it can tackle this matter I would give consideration to the proposal.

Dr. Summerskill

As it is a most vulnerable period between the ages of 21 and 25, would the right hon. Gentleman consider extending the limit to age 25?

Mr. Vosper

I will look at that. At the moment we have been concentrating on the 13-year-olds, but we must consider extending the limit upwards.