HC Deb 05 December 1955 vol 547 cc7-8W
54. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a further statement on the use of vaccine against poliomyelitis, in view of the recent international support for the Salk preparation.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Later this month I hope to receive information from the Medical Research Council and advice from a special committee of the Central and Scottish Health Services Councils on the safety and efficacy of two vaccines now being produced in this country and the use to which they might be put. I cannot at this stage indicate what decisions will be made but I will make a further statement as soon as possible.

Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that in all trials of poliomyelitis vaccines some inoculated children have developed poliomyelitis, and that these vaccines may actually cause poliomyelitis, and that at most only six per 100,000 children in the country ever develop paralytic poliomyelitis, he will advise the cessation of all experiments with poliomyelitis vaccines.

Mr. Iain Macleod

No. I consider that it is justifiable to continue the search for a safe and effective vaccine.