§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether his Department has considered the possibility of bovine tuberculosis being caused by vaccination and that a considerable number of cases of bovine tuberculosis are notified in areas where all or nearly all the milk consumed is pasteurised milk; and what action he proposes to take to prevent the spread of this form of tuberculosis.
§ Mr. WillinkI am advised that medical research has produced no evidence to suggest that smallpox vaccination either causes or aggravates tuberculous infection. The source of bovine infection cannot be limited to the particular area where the disease comes to notice and its occurrence is not necessarily related to the milk supply in that area. The measures that are being taken to increase pasteurisation or other efficient heat-treatment of milk 1637W throughout the country are the most effective means of combating bovine tuberculosis.