§ MR. CORRIE GRANT (Warwickshire, Rugby)To ask the Secretary of State for the Horns Department whether he is aware that Mr. E. Dew made applica- 1266 tion to the Spelthorne sessions, Staines, on Monday, 5th May, for an exemption certificate on the ground of conscientious objection to vaccination; that, four of the magistrates being in favour of granting the certificate and four against, it was refused; and, seeing that under the circumstances two of the magistrates who were in favour of granting the certificate could have signed the certificate, whether he will state what action he proposes to take.
(Answer.) I am advised that where a majority of the justices sitting in petty sessions are not in favour of granting a certificate of exemption from vaccination, it would not be proper for any minority to grant the certificate unless the other justices present abstained from adjudicating in the case. There is no action which I can take in the matter.—(Home Office).