§ Mr. LYNNasked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to give any information regarding the Spahlinger cure for consumption?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have made full enquiries regarding this supposed remedy for tuberculosis, but it is clear that much further investigation and experience will be necessary before accepting the claims made for it. It appears that as long ago as 1913–14 the serum in question was prepared. It was tried by several hospital physicians, but there is not yet sufficient evidence of its therapeutic value, nor have the trials of it been sufficiently extensive to justify any definite and reliable conclusions. I understand that a report on the method of treatment has been presented to the French Academy of Science, and if and when supplies of the serum become available for investigation in this country I shall be prepared at once to facilitate, and co-operate in, an exhaustive examination of its efficacy, both from laboratory and clinical points of view. I understand that a supply of the serum is not likely to be available for this purpose for some months and that on account of the secrecy maintained as to its constitution and method of preparation, it has hitherto been found impracticable for the recognised research laboratories in this country to investigate its properties and effects.