HC Deb 16 October 1912 vol 42 c1224
66. Mr. LANSBURY

asked 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. LANSBURY

May I ask whether this will operate at once?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Yes, it will operate at once.

Dr. ADDISON

Is there any evidence that the boy died as the result of vaccination?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have no evidence at all on that subject.