§ 58. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons in Scotland now suffering from poliomyelitis; how that number 155W compares with each of the preceding five years; and what scientific progress is being made in Scotland towards preventing and curing this disease.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe number of cases in the active stages of the disease on 3rd December, 1955, was approximately 67. This compares with 55 at the corresponding period in 1954, 63 in 1953, 22 in 1952, 40 in 1951, and 48 in 1950. Scottish research into the prevention and treatment of the disease continues on the lines indicated in my reply to the hon. and learned Member on 23rd November, 1954. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I are expecting to receive expert advice very shortly about the safety and efficiency of the poliomyelitis vaccines now being produced in Great Britain.