§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked whether Mr. Thomas Miller, the vaccination officer for the Croydon Union, has stamped on the bottom of forms he has issued the statement that there are many deaths from small-pox in London; whether this was done with the cognisance and approval of the Local Government Board; and, if not, what steps will be taken to remind this officer of his duty?
§ Mr. BURNSI find that the vaccination officer has stamped some forms with the words "Small-pox in London: many deaths." This was not done with the cognisance or approval of the Local Government Board. I am informing the officer that his procedure was improper, and that the prescribed forms must not be tampered with in future.
§ Dr. HILLIERIs it not the fact that nearly 50 per cent. of unvaccinated cases of small-pox in London proved fatal?
§ Mr. ASTORasked whether Dr. White, the medical officer of health for the district, had officially estimated that there are now 3,500 unvaccinated children in the Newport Pagnell and Potterspury unions out of a total population of 43,000, and that there is only accommodation for forty cases in the event of an outbreak of smallpox in the district; whether he is aware that Dr. Benson, the medical officer of health for a neighbouring district, has officially reported that many parents who are not really opposed to vaccination per se obtain exemption certificates, and that this creates a probable danger; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy the state of affairs which is disclosed?
§ Mr. BURNSI am aware of the statements made by the two doctors mentioned but do not consider it necessary to take action in the matter at the present time.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked whether the President of the Local Government Board is aware that an inquest was held at Hanley, on 23rd March, on a child named Pearson, who had died from cardiac 28 failure, following the administration of an anæsthetic for an operation rendered necessary through the effects of vaccination; whether the lymph with which the vaccination was performed was supplied by the Government; has any investigation into the case been conducted by a medical representative of the Local Government Board; and, if so, is a copy of his report available for inspection by Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. BURNSI had already instructed one of my inspectors to investigate this case. As soon as I receive his report I will communicate with my hon. Friend.