HC Deb 12 March 1959 vol 601 cc131-2W
67. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that poliomyelitis vaccine due to be used in the West Riding of Yorkshire has recently been stored in a local butcher's refrigerator owing to a breakdown in the health department's refrigeration plant; to what extent supervision was continuously maintained during its storage period; and if he will issue instructions to curtail the farming out of poliomyelitis or other vaccines in this way.

Mr. R. Thompson

I understand that this occurred last summer as a temporary expedient and that the responsible officer satisfied himself as to the conditions under which the vaccine would be kept. I should not regard as appropriate instructions which would curb such commendable initiative as was shown on that occasion.

68. Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to ensure that, in the event of a local health department's refrigeration plant breaking down, vaccines shall be transferred to neighbouring health departments or hospitals, where they may be adequately and competently preserved.

Mr. R. Thompson

No, this is a matter for the local health authorities, and I am satisfied that if faced with such a situation they would take any steps which are necessary to safeguard the vaccines.