HC Deb 02 April 1914 vol 60 cc1343-4
55. Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he received a letter, dated the 13th February last, on behalf of the executive of the National Vaccination Officers' Association, asking that he would give immediate attention to the loss of income suffered by vaccination officers throughout England and Wales owing to the operation of the Vaccination Act and Order, 1907; and, in view of the financial position of many of these officers and the fact that the executive of that association were confident that he would take the necessary steps to fulfil the promise made in the House of Lords on behalf of the Government when the Vaccination Bill of 1907 was being considered by them, whether he has yet given the matter his attention; and, if so, what action does he propose to take?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have received the letter referred to and have given close attention to the matter. The Board have considered on its merits each case of loss which has been brought to their notice, and will continue to do so. I do not propose to take any general action.

56. Mr. YEO

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that, owing to the somewhat confusing wording of the vaccination schedule which is given to parents at the time of registering the births of their children, and also on Form Q issued by vaccination officers, many parents are led to suppose they can make a declaration of conscientious objection to vaccination within four months and seven days of the birth of a child; and whether he can see his way to have the schedules and forms in question so altered as to make it unmistakable to parents that they must make their declarations within four months of the birth of their children?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am aware that difficulties have arisen, and am taking steps to obviate them.