§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a full statement on the use of human diploid cell substrates for the production of vaccines for the treatment of rabies in human beings; and whether they are being produced in Great Britain;
(2) to what extent HDCS vaccine for the treatment of rabies in humans is considered suitable for post-exposure prophylaxis; and if he will publish data
264Wsocial service staff who have received (i) full training, (ii) partial training and (iii) any qualifications in social work.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe following tables give such information as is available for 30th September 1974:
on experiments in its use carried out in the United States of America, the Federal Republic of Germany and Iran.
§ Dr. OwenA product licence has been granted to permit the importation of rabies vaccine, prepared in France in cells of human origin. This licence permits its promotion only for prophylactic use in persons who may be exposed to rabid animals—for example, in the course of their work. The strain of cells used is the WI38 strain, which has been extensively tested by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Arrangements have been made for the National Institute to examine the records of the manufacture of each batch of vaccine and for them to undertake any necessary tests.
Rabies vaccine is not at present being produced in human diploid cell substrates in the United Kingdom, and in view of the difficulty and expense of so doing I would expect that imported vaccine would meet the needs of the United Kingdom in present circumstances.
265WThis type of vaccine may not yet be promoted for us following possible exposure to rabies, but the vaccine is available through the Public Health Laboratory Service for cases where it is considered that its use is justified.
While I am aware that clinical trials are proceeding in the countries named I have no access to the data which will no doubt be published in due course by those concerned.