HC Deb 16 April 1907 vol 172 c768
MR. LUPTON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that on the 19th day of March, 1907, A. H. Moore, of Alcester, Shaftesbury, applied for a vaccination exemption certificate at the Shaftesbury petty sessions, two magistrates only sitting, Mr. H. A. Dunstan, chairman, and Mr. L. Fox Pitt, and that Mr. Dunstan refused to sign the exemption certificate; and if he proposes to take any steps in the matter.

MR. GLADSTONE

I have communicated with the justices who adjudicated in this case. They inform me that the case was carefully considered, and that the applicant did not satisfy both of them that he had a conscientious belief that vaccination would be prejudicial to the child in question. As I have often stated before, I have no authority to interfere with the discretion of the magistrates in this matter.

MR. LUPTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the new Vaccination Bill will be brought in?

MR. GLADSTONE

That Question should be addressed to the President of the Local Government Board.

MR. J. WARD (Stoke-on-Trent)

Is it necessary in the case of ordinary justices that two shall adjudicate where a stipendiary magistate sits alone?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes, that is so.