asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been directed to a report to the effect that an American company which produces anti-polio vaccine has an inventory of 24,000,000 doses of vaccine on hands, and that since demand has fallen off, the vaccine may have to be destroyed because of loss of potency; and, if so, whether he will make inquiries as to the possibility of obtaining this vaccine either free or at a nominal charge so that it may be made available to children in all income groups.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anti-Polio Vaccine.
I have read the report, which seems to arise out of proceedings against this and a number of other drug firms which have been indicted in a federal court on charges that they had conspired to fix prices.
Moreover, a recent quotation which has been received indicates that it is very far from probable that supplies of polio vaccine would be made available either free or at a nominal charge.