§ 66. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the death of a boy named Leonard Cross, on 22nd July, seventeen days after vaccination, performed in order to enter the Civil Service as a boy copyist; whether any intimation: is given to successful candidates for the Civil Service of the fact that they can obtain exemption from vaccination if thy or their parents desire this; and, if not whether in future the Civil Service Commissioners will arrange that this information shall be given when the notice regarding vaccination is sent to the successful candidates?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)My attention has been drawn to this case. I am informed by the Civil Service Commissioners that they have arranged that candidates shall be informed that they may obtain exemption from vaccination by making a statutory declaration to the effect that they sincerely believe that vaccination would be dangerous to their health. If a candidate is under eighteen years of age the declaration must be made by his parents.
§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask whether this will operate at once?
§ Mr. MASTERMANYes, it will operate at once.
§ Dr. ADDISONIs there any evidence that the boy died as the result of vaccination?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no evidence at all on that subject.