§ 67. Sir HAROLD ELVERSTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Colonel Davies-Colley, of the 6th Reserve Manchester Regiment, recently issued instructions that all the men in the regiment must be inoculated against typhoid, and that if any objected force must be used to carry out the instruction; that on the 21st or 22nd January six men, who refused to be inoculated, were brought before Colonel Davies-Colley, who sent them to the doctor under escort; and that whilst an attempt was being made to forcibly inoculate one man Four others escaped and interviewed the brigade officer; whether proper official notice has been taken of the action of Colonel Davies-Colley; and what steps will be taken to prevent further improper instructions being issued by this officer?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir. My attention has not been drawn to this case and no action has been taken with regard to it by the War Office. If any incorrect instructions have been issued, I have no doubt that the general officer commanding would take suitable notice.
§ 72. Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the campaign which is in existence for the purpose of discouraging our soldiers in the New Armies from being inoculated against enteric and other similar diseases; whether, in view of the statistics in support of inoculation, as shown during the present War, measures will be at once taken against any organisation which carries on such an agitation; and whether he will consider if the time has now come when inoculation should be made compulsory for all soldiers proceeding to the front on active service, both for their own sakes and those with whom they are in contact?
§ 74. Mr. PETOasked whether inoculation against typhoid fever and vaccination against small-pox will, in future, be compulsory for all ranks in the military forces of the Crown before they are sent on service oversea during the currency of the present War?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe answer to the first point is in the affirmative, and to the second that it is not proposed to take any action against the organisations referred to. As regards compulsion, I am advised that legislation would be necessary. The introduction of a Bill is not at present contemplated, though this may be further considered should necessity arise.
Mr. CHANCELLORDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the introduction of such a Bill now would be a breach of contract with the recruits who have joined the Army, and would involve deep dishonour?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not agree with that.