HC Deb 30 June 1958 vol 590 cc57-8W
53. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health if the supply of poliomyelitis vaccine is now sufficient to meet the requirements; and, in view of the doubt which exists in the minds of people with regard to the use of Salk vaccine, whether he is still satisfied that the vaccine coming from the United States of America and Canada which is not re-tested in this country is perfectly safe and can be used with confidence when the British vaccine is not readily available.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". In regard to the rest, I have always made it clear that no vaccine can be guaranteed to be wholly free from risk and so the question of absolute safety does not arise. I made a full statement about these matters to the House in the debate on 1st May last, which the hon. Member may care to study.