HC Deb 29 October 1957 vol 575 cc38-9W
Mr. Llewellyn

asked the Minister of Health to what extent effluent discharged from trains is contributing to the spread of poliomyelitis or other infections; and whether he will consult with the British Transport Commission so as to ensure that British Railways include in their modernisation plans better processes for dealing with effluent.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am advised that study of the location and environmental circumstances of notified cases of poliomyelitis affords no support for the view that effluent from railway trains is a determining factor in the incidence or transmission of the disease, and that there is no evidence of other infection being attributable to this cause. I do not, therefore, feel it appropriate to pursue this matter further in the way suggested.