HC Deb 07 February 1955 vol 536 cc171-2W
69. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to restrict the conduct of clinical experiments in hospitals under Section 16 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, to cases where the patients involved have volunteered for the purpose.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I entirely agree that the consent of the patient or of the parents of children should be obtained before clinical research is undertaken; and I have no reason to suppose that this is not the usual practice.

70. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Health if he will prohibit the conduct of clinical experiments on infants in hospitals under the regional hospital boards.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Clinical investigations of infants under the authority of the clinician in charge of the case, and with the consent of the parents or guardians, are essential to an improved knowledge of infantile diseases, and I should not be justified in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.