HC Deb 04 July 1906 vol 160 cc12-3
MR. LUPTON (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)

To ask the Secretary of State for War if he will inform the House whether the compulsory vaccination or re-vaccination of recruits in the Swiss Army was abolished in 1882; and, if so, whether this recognition of conscientious objection in that Army has boon followed by any increased susceptibility to small pox among the soldiers.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The compulsory vaccination of recruits in the Swiss Army was abolished in December, 1882. Recruits who desire to be re-vaccinated are allowed to submit to this operation at the public expense. I have no data which would enable me to answer the second part of the Question, but I may point out that the Swiss Army is only called out for eleven days' training in the year, and a comparison of results is therefore rendered very difficult.