§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Health how many instances of death following shortly after immunisation against diphtheria have been reported to his Department; how many cases of nervous trouble caused by this operation; and whether any inquiry has been made into such reports by officials of his Department.
§ Mr. WillinkThe number of cases in England and Wales in which it has come to my notice that death has taken place shortly after immunisation by toxoid against diphtheria is two. It should be borne in mind that it is estimated that about five million children have been given protection by this means in the last few years. The number of reported cases in which "nervous trouble" has been noted some time after immunisation is 16. I am advised that the relationship between the nervous trouble and the process of immunisation has not been established. Whenever practicable inquiries are made by medical officers about such cases.