§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an Irish jury attributed a death from generalised tuberculous infection following prophylactic inoculation against diphtheria to the presence of tubercle germs in a bottle of prophylactic supplied by the English firm of chemists who supply most of the diphtheria prophylactic used by public authorities in England and Wales; and whether he will have a searching inquiry made into this matter in view of the seriousness of the allegation made?
§ Mr. BernaysI have seen a Press report to the effect stated in the first part of the question. As to the second part, careful inquiry concerning the prophylactic supplied by the firm referred to has already been made by medical officers of my Department and the result leads to the conclusion that no tubercle bacilli were present. As the matter is somewhat technical I will send the hon. Member further particulars.