§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why batches of triple vaccine and polio oral 179W vaccine have been withdrawn from Scottish clinics and hospitals; and if he intends to withdraw any batches in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenFollowing the reported deaths of twin boys in Scotland shortly after immunisation, the batches of the vaccines involved were withdrawn in Scotland and arrangements have been made to ensure that the batches in question are not used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These were precautionary measures and pending investigation. There is no reason at present to believe that the vaccines were responsible for the deaths.