§ MR. MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of a woman, named Lydia Cook, of Rayleigh, Essex, as reported in the Daily Chronicle of the 19th instant, who was sentenced by the Magistrates to pay a fine and costs, 1066 amounting to £1 7s. 6d., with the alternative of 14 days' imprisonment, with hard labour, for an offence against the Vaccination Laws; and whether he will inquire into the case, with a view to remitting the fine and costs?
§ MR. MATTHEWSLydia Cook was sentenced to pay a fine of 1s. and £1 3s. 6d. costs, to be levied by distress, and in default of distress seven days' imprisonment, without hard labour. I am in communication with my hon. Friend the Member for the Division, who has interested himself in the case, and am expecting a Report from the Justices. On receiving it I will decide whether any action can and should be taken.