§ 25. Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to ensure that there will be ample supplies of anti-poliomyelitis vaccine for all persons desiring vaccination by June of this year.
§ Mr. MaclayI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. Members for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman) and Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner). The Great Britain figures which my right hon. and learned Friend quoted include due provision for Scotland.
§ Mr. HoyWhat has that to do with Edinburgh? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical officer of health in Edinburgh has expressed concern that supplies will not be available for those people who have registered for vaccination in Edinburgh? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the vaccine will be available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the people of Scotland, and can he assure the chief medical officer for Edinburgh that there is no ground for doubt about the adequacy of the supplies for that city?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Member did not mention Edinburgh in his Question. As my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health said yesterday, we have taken steps to ensure that there are quantities of the American Salk vaccine to safeguard the supply position. There are so many unpredictable factors that it would be wrong to forecast the position on 30th June or any other date. I suggest that we await the debate on Thursday.
§ Mr. HoyAs the right hon. Gentleman is Minister of Health for Scotland, and in view of the unsatisfactory nature of his reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.