HC Deb 04 March 1903 vol 118 cc1363-4
MR. COGHILL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will say what course the Government propose to take on the expiration of the present Vaccination Act; and whether legislation will be proposed this session to make revaccination generally compulsory.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The President of the Local Government Board proposes to renew the existing Act for this year, and to defer any further legislation on the subject to a future session.

MR. GALLOWAY (Manchester, S. W.)

Will the Act be renewed for only one year?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Without pledging myself, I think that that will be the most convenient course.

MR. COGHILL

Will the Act be renewed in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

That is a question of procedure on which I should not like to pronounce an opinion now.

MR. COGHILL

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that there are serious outbreaks of smallpox in several large towns like Manchester and Liverpool?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I was not aware of it. Perhaps my hon. friend will put down any further Question?