§ MR. T. L. WHARTON (York, N.R., Ripon)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board when the Vaccination Commission concluded their sittings; whether he is aware that many Boards of Guardians are delaying taking any action with regard to unvaccinated children until the Report is published; and, will he explain what is the reason of the delay?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. G. J. SHAW-LEFEVRE,) Bradford, CentralI am informed that the Vaccination Commission have, practically concluded their evidence,, and have only their Report to consider. The delay in the conclusion of their inquiry is stated to be due to the very large amount of evidence received, and the time required to complete the investigations instituted by the Commission into the circumstances of particular outbreaks of Small-pox. I am aware that there, are cases where Boards of Guardians are delaying taking action with regard to unvaccinated children pending the publication of the Report, and I have been anxiously awaiting its issue?
§ MR. WHARTONMay I ask whether, in view of the fact that a great number of Boards of Guardians are awaiting the Report, a circular could be sent to these Boards calling attention to the state of the law?
§ MR. SHAW-LEFEVREThey have been informed of the state of the law very often; but it is very difficult to call upon them to enforce it pending the Report of the Commission.
§ MR. C. B. STUART -WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)Is it the fact that this Royal Commission was appointed seven years ago?
§ MR. SHAW-LEFEVRENo, it is not quite so bad as that. I think it is about four years since it was appointed.
§ MR. WHARTONMay 1889.