§ 57. Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of his decisions with regard to the loss of income sustained by the vaccination officers for the Bristol, Bedford, and Tewkesbury unions in consequence of the Vaccination Act and Order, 1907, it is still his wish that vaccination officers in other unions who have sustained a loss should complain direct to him with the view of his endeavouring to persuade boards of guardians to do what he considers right and proper; and whether he is aware that some boards of guardians have refused to act in accordance with his suggestions owing to his having refused to amend the Vaccination Order providing for the payment of a fee to these officers for recording certificates of exemption?
§ Mr. LEWISMy right hon. Friend is always willing to consider representations from vaccination officers who have sustained losses due to the Vaccination Act, 1907, and who have applied unsuccessfully to their boards of guardians for compensation. A very small number of boards of guardians refused to grant compensation for the reason given in the question.
§ Mr. PETOMay I ask whether the Local Government Board still thinks it is desirable to expect these vaccination officers to appeal to them to ask their employers, and whether that method is conducive to justice and fair play?
§ Mr. LEWISMy right hon. Friend has carefully considered the circumstances of this case and has decided it on its merits.
§ Mr. SNOWDENDoes the hon. Gentleman maintain that the Local Government Board is now carrying out the policy of the President of that Department?
§ Mr. LEWISMy right hon. Friend carefully considers every case that is brought before him and decides it on its merits.
§ Mr. PETODoes he think he is still treating these officers in a manner more than just and even generous?
§ Mr. LEWISMy right hon. Friend considers in these measures he is meeting every reasonable requirement.