HC Deb 09 March 1964 vol 691 cc12-3
17. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has granted a permit to Mr. G. Naessens enabling him to work in this country on the manufacture of a serum claimed to cure leukaemia.

Mr. Godber

No. Sir. My Department has not received an application for a permit.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not a fact, however, that before Mr. Naessens can come here to manufacture the serum he must obtain a work permit? In these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman try to find out, so that hopes are not raised and then cruelly disappointed, whether Mr. Naessens is a serious scientific researcher or just a quack?

Mr. Godber

This is a hypothetical matter at the moment, but I accept what the hon. Member has said in this regard. Of course, it will depend very much on the circumstances whether Mr. Naessens will be employed or would have some provision whereby he would be in the position, as it were, of a self-employed man with a grant. I do not know what the circumstances are and, therefore, I cannot judge this matter in advance.

Mr. K. Robinson

Will the Minister take great care that, if an application is made, he does not encourage the inculcation of false hopes in the parents of children suffering from leukaemia and among leukaemia sufferers themselves? Will he also bear in mind that this gentleman has certain charges pending against him in the French courts?

Mr. Godber

Yes. The hon. Member will, I am sure, realise that there is a division of functions in this matter. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has responsibility in regard to anyone coming into the country. I have responsibility in the granting of work permits. Obviously, I will keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend and with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. I accept the point made by the hon. Member.

Mr. K. Lewis

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, if he has to consider this matter, he should not prevent the "brain drain" working in reverse?

Mr. Godber

I take note of my hon. Friend's point.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the purpose to which it seems that this serum has to be directed, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will require to be subjected to some scientific or medical test before it can be manufactured?

Mr. Godber

This is getting considerably beyond the terms of the Question. I will discuss these matters with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. That is the best way.