§ 42. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to be able to permit vaccination against rubella under the National Health Service following the clinical trials which commenced in October, 1967.
§ Mr. EnnalsIt is too early to say.
§ Mr. PavittWhile not wishing to press my hon. Friend to take risks which might have side effects, may I ask him to apprecite that this could be the biggest breakthrough in deafness this century and that it could save the Ministry many millions of £s over the years? Will he see that no undue delay occurs?
§ Mr. EnnalsI assure my hon. Friend that there is no undue delay in this matter. Clinical trials into this vaccine are still proceeding. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises my right hon. Friend, will be reviewing the subject tomorrow, although I do not think it likely that at this stage it will be able to make a recommendation. I assure my hon. Friend that the importance of this matter is fully understood by my Department.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWhat is rubella?
§ Mr. EnnalsIt is a form of German measles.