§ 41. Mr. C. R. Hobsonasked the Minister of Health what is now the attack rate of paralytic poliomyelitis per 100,000 of the population aged 1–5 years, 6–10 years, and 11–15 years; and what is the death rate per 100 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithInformation is not available for these precise age-groups. In 1957 the rates per 100,000 at ages 1–4, 5–9 and 10–14 were respectively 35.2, 21.6 and 8.6. The death rate over all age groups was 8 per 100 cases.
§ Mr. HobsonIn view of that reply, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that his Department ought to reconsider the importation of untested vaccine?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI do not think that any such conclusion follows from the figures I have given in my Answer to the hon. Gentleman's Question.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the Minister also aware that although my hon. Friend has specified certain age groups, the fact is that there is a high percentage of poliomyelitis among the adult population?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe attack rate is a good deal lower among the adult population, but the mortality rate of those adults who get it is higher.