HC Deb 03 May 1875 vol 223 cc1961-2
MR. BECKETT-DENISON

asked the President of the Local Government Board, If his attention has been formally called to the systematic evasion of the Vaccination Acts by the Skipton and Keighley Board of Guardians, and consequently greatly increased death-rate from small-pox; and if he is prepared to take legal measures for compelling the guardians to do their duty?

MR. SCLATER-BOOTH

Sir, there is no report of systematic evasion of the Vaccination Acts at Skipton. Only one death seems to have occurred there in the last quarter, and the guardians have stated that it is their intention to proceed against defaulters. "With regard to Keighley, there have been 37 deaths during the last quarter, and the guardians have distinctly refused to instruct their officers to enforce the provisions of the law. Under those circumstances the Local Government Board have given directions that legal measures shall be taken to oblige them to do so.