§ 54. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that supplies of flu vaccine are not available to meet prescriptions being issued in Shrewsbury; and, in view of the outbreak of Asian flu in the West Midlands, what action he proposes to take to obtain immediate supplies of the vaccine for Shrewsbury.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe Government have no direct responsibility for the manufacture or distribution of influenza vaccine. I can however tell the hon. Gentleman that increasing quantities of Hong Kong influenza vaccine are becoming available for retail chemists and substantial supplies have already gone to the West Midlands area. Further despatches will, subject to satisfactory testing, be made this week. Some vaccine has recently been sent to Shrewsbury, but I cannot guarantee that this will satisfy all immediate demands.