§ Mr. BENTHAMasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the attention of the Admiralty had been called to the case of a sailor named Alfred East, His Majesty's Ship "Natal," who is a married man, with wife and two children living at Lewisham; whether he is aware that about three months ago East objected to vaccination; that the captain of the ship on which this man serves refused to allow him to go ashore in the ordinary way, but sent him on patrol duty instead; that he was refused permission to visit his home, such permission being refused when his ship's company was granted four days' leave in May; and whether he will draw the captain's attention to the fact that East has committed no offence, and direct him to cease the punishment meted out to him for acting within his rights?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe attention of the Admiralty has been drawn to the case, and the commanding officer has been informed that the man had committed no offence. On receipt of this intimation the restrictions on his movements were at once withdrawn and special leave was granted to him.