§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the evidence supplied to him by the Institute of Biology concerning Government arrangements to combat swine influenza and the difficulties of obtaining additional vaccine; and if he is now able to make a statement on the provision of stocks of vaccine adequate for universal vaccination in Great Britain.
§ Dr. OwenI am aware of the recent Press material to which I think my hon. Friend is referring. In my reply to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet), the right hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford (Mr. Jenkin) and my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Moonman) on 6th April—[Vol. 909, c.147–9]—I described the precautionary measures we are taking on influenza, including "swine influenza". We are keeping in close touch with manufacturers and suppliers of influenza vaccine to the United Kingdom and, as indicated in that reply, we have arranged for the Advisory Group on Influenza to review the situation later this month so that the requirements of vaccine for next winter can be assessed. I will then make my promised further statement.