HC Deb 23 April 1863 vol 170 cc651-2

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [23rd March], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

LORD NAAS

said, that since the last discussion on the subject he had made it his business to inquire into the facts, and he found that the number of cases in Ireland had not increased. He thought the Bill would have the effect of preventing the increase of Vaccination in Ireland; and that it would lead to the people having recourse to the old and pernicious system of inoculation. The Bill, therefore, would not carry out the object it was intended to accomplish. There were also cases in which it would be dangerous to vaccinate children within a certain fixed time, and in such instances it would be most unfair to subject the parents to a penalty for not having their children vaccinated. The measure would also interfere with the operation of the Births Registration Bill which had just been passed, as persons would avoid registering the births of their children, because by so doing they would bring themselves under the operation of this Bill.

MR. VANCE

complained of the increased expense the Bill would impose on the Poor Law funds.

MR. DAWSON

said, he had just returned from Ireland, and he had found there that the feeling of the people and of the boards of guardians were in favour of the Bill.

SIR PATRICK O'BRIEN

said, he should support the Bill. The views of hon. Members might be carried out by alterations in Committee.

MR. WHITESIDE

referred to a Report of the Royal Jennerian and London Vaccine Institution, condemning a system of compulsory vaccination, and moved that the Bill be read a second time that day six months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, the object of the Bill was to extend to Ireland that system of compulsory vaccination which prevailed in almost every country in Europe except Scotland. He had received communications from numerous boards of guardians in Ireland in favour of the Bill, and among others from the nine most populous unions. The cost of the men sure—1–20th part of a farthing on the total valuation of Ireland, would be an infinitesimal price to pay for what would be a great boon to the country. At present, the births amounted to about 200,000 a year, while, on the other hand, the number of vaccinations, which was 107,000 in 1860, had fallen to 87,000 in 1862. He therefore hoped the House would allow him to pass the second reading. When in Committee he would be able to show that its provisions were calculated to effect much good.

MR. WHITESIDE

said, he would withdraw his Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Tuesday next.