§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Service, pursuant to his statement to the House on 8th February on immunisation and vaccination, if he meant that the joint committee was recommending routine vaccination for babies; at what date he received the advice from the joint committee that the 409W policy should not be changed; and on what date the joint committee met and came to this decision.
§ Mr. MoyleYes. The joint committee has had the question of vaccination for whooping cough under review since its first meeting in 1963 and has made recommendations to the Health Ministers from time to time. Its most recent formal advice was received after its meeting on 3rd June 1975 and was published on 20th September 1975. Before my right hon. Friend made his statement in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 8th February—[Vol. 925, c. 1227–39]—he confirmed from the chairman that it had not subsequently changed its advice.