§ MR. LEVYTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that at Melton Mowbray on 19th January the police authorities, in executing three distress warrants for the recovery of fines and costs imposed under the Vaccination Acts, amounting respectively to 13s., 35s. 6d., and 40s. 6d., charged each defaulter, in I addition to the usual fees, £4 7s. 6d. for the services of an auctioneer, and £1 8s. 4d. for the use of a van which in two of these instances was not used for any excepting purely police purposes; and whether he will consider the desirability of issuing such instructions to the chief constables throughout the country as will insure due regard for moderation in the execution of distress warrants under the Vaccination Acts.
† See page 935.1221 (Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers Douglas.) I have no information as to the particular cases mentioned in the Question, but I may say that the costs of enforcing such fines are properly charged to the defendants, and that the costs are necessarily increased when special police precautions are required. I do not think that I can properly issue to the police such instructions as the hon. Member suggests.