§ COLONEL STOPFORD SACKVILLE (Northants, N.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that a recent vacancy in the office of Vaccination Officer in the Wellingborough district lasted from 18th October, 1901, till 30th January, 1902; what was the reason for the delay in approving of the appointment made by the Guardians; was any person appointed to act temporarily during the vacancy; and, has he any information to show whether the Vaccination Laws are now effectually enforced within the limits of the Wellinghorough, Kettering, and Thrapston Unions.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. WALTER LONG, Bristol, S.)In the case of Thrapston, I understand that the Vaccination Officer is performing his duties satisfactorily, and that prosecutions in cases of 43 default are taking place. I regret, however, to say that the information in my possession shows that the Vaccination Laws are not being effectually enforced in the other two unions to which my hon. and gallant friend refers, and I am considering what steps should be taken in these and similar cases. With regard to Wellingborough, in consequence of a report which I received from one of my Medical Inspectors, I caused letters to be addressed to the Vaccination Officers of that union calling attention to the unsatisfactory way in which they were performing their duties, and stating that they would not be allowed to retain office unless they were prepared to carry out their duties in accordance with the Vaccination Acts. As a result, one of the Vaccination Officers resigned. The Guardians appointed another person in his place in October last, but in view of the unsatisfactory replies received from the other two Vaccination Officers I felt much difficulty as to sanctioning the new appointment. Sanction was eventually given last month in the case of this officer. I have felt it necessary to call on the other Vaccination Officers to resign.