HC Deb 23 November 1954 vol 533 cc105-6W
61. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken in Scotland to ascertain the cause and possible cure of the disease of poliomyelitis; and with what results.

Mr. J. Stuart

The cause of poliomyelitis is infection by a virus, and it has been established that the causative types of virus in Scotland are identical with those found in other countries. Scottish research into prevention and treatment of the disease is being carried out in close collaboration with the Medical Research Council, the main laboratory centres being in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The results of this research, which are published from time to time in the medical Press, are of a technical nature, but are adding gradually to the measures available to combat the disease.