§ MR. MONTGOMERY (Somersetshire, Bridgwater)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. Charles Hill, of Spaxton, near Bridgwater, has been twice refused exemption by the Bridgwater petty sessional magistrates under the Vaccination Acts; that in October, 1906, an order was made by the same magistrate directing him to have his child vaccinated and to pay 8s. 6d.for costs; that these he paid; that recently he was again prosecuted for disobedience to that order, and that although the justices have been advised by the Home Office that in such cases they may use their discretion, Hill was fined 12s. 6d. and costs; and whether, as Hill has no furniture upon which distraint could be levied and will eventually be committed to gaol, he will, under the circumstances, remit the fine.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The case has not previously been brought to my notice, but I will make inquiry and let the hon. Member know the result.