HC Deb 04 April 1955 vol 539 cc73-4W
73. Mr. G. Darling

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he is satisfied with the scope of the research now being undertaken to discover an anti-poliomyelitis vaccine, in view of the recent report of the World Health Organisation, which shows that the incidence of poliomyelitis increases with improvements in living standards, that current methods of treatment have proved to be inconclusive, and that all hopes of dealing successfully with the disease now depend on the discovery of a suitable vaccine.

Mr. Bevins

An extensive programme of research on poliomyelitis vaccines is being supported by the Medical Research Council, by the National Fund for Poliomyelitis Research and by certain pharmaceutical firms. The effort in this country is being co-ordinated by the Medical Research Council, and I am advised that all promising lines are being developed.