§ 97. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Health what supplies of the drug A.C.T.H. and cortisone are being imported from the United States of America; and what is the cost.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopFour thousand five hundred grammes of cortisone and 3,600 grammes of A.C.T.H. were imported by the Department from the American manufacturers during the first six months of 1951. My right hon. Friend does not think it would be in the public interest to publish the prices paid.
§ 98. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to pro duce the drugs A.C.T.H. and cortisone in this country.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopProduction of A.C.T.H. has already started in this country and my right hon. Friend hopes that the first delivery against contracts placed by my Department will shortly be accepted. Output is at present limited by availability of animal pituitary glands. Production of cortisone is not yet possible owing to shortage of the essential raw material, ox bile. I must emphasise that the use of both drugs is still experimental.