§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his present policy regarding the issuing of warnings to parents about the dangers of the vaccine for whooping cough; and what actions of legal proceedings have been instituted against his Department in respect of the administration of this vaccine.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe Department funds Health Education Council literature for parents which explains the risks associated with whooping cough vaccination and sets out the contra-indications. Doctors and community nurses have also been advised by the Department about the contra-indications to whooping cough vaccination and urged to discuss the matter with parents to help them make informed decisions. Proceedings have been issued against the Department in seven cases.