HC Deb 13 February 1946 vol 419 cc85-6W
Dr. S. Taylor

asked the Lord President of the Council if his attention has been drawn to investigations suggesting that deaf-and-dumbness in infants results from an attack of German measles in the mother during early pregnancy; and if, in view of the importance of this matter, the Medical Research Council will speedily undertake the investigation needed to substantiate or disprove these findings.

Mr. H. Morrison

Yes, Sir. The Medical Research Council have received reports from Australia suggesting that certain congenital defects in children, including deafness, may be causally connected with infectious disease in the mother during pregnancy. They are already investigating the subject and the question of the effect on the child's hearing is receiving special attention.