HC Deb 24 October 1950 vol 478 c336W
Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken in conjunction with the Medical Research Council to obtain a substantial production of cortisone for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis.

Mr. Bevan

The production of cortisone must be limited in this country by the availability of the essential raw material, for which I am advised that no alternatives are in immediate prospect. I must emphasise that the use of this drug is still experimental. Limited supplies are being imported for use in hospitals, and arrangements for its production will be considered as soon as practicable.