§ 41. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Health if he has yet taken technical advice, and if he will make a detailed report, on the utility and effectiveness as a protection against Asian influenza and other forms of influenza of the respirator sent to him last July by the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAs I have informed the hon. and learned Member, I would be glad to obtain a scientific opinion of the value of this respirator if he will be good enough to tell me what it contains, but I do not think that a scientific investigation would be justified in the absence of this information.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman not agree that at a time when influenza is epidemic, like the present, it is his duty to obtain an expert opinion on the respirator that I have submitted to him? Does he not agree that it is not for me but for him to do so in the public interest? Is it not culpable of him to refuse to do so?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir. Though we cannot foresee what the future may hold, the influenza epidemic, I am glad to say, is on the wane at present. As for the hon. and learned Member's respirator, was asking him not for an expert opinion but for some facts, which must be within his knowledge, and which I should be grateful if he would supply.
§ Mr. HughesIs the hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that I actually sent him a respirator?