90. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an Army Order was issued in May prohibiting soldiers from visiting their homes in parts of Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire, Glamorgan, and Monmouth owing to a few cases of small-pox in these counties; whether this Order is due to loss of faith in the protective virtues of vaccination; or, if not, whether he will at once withdraw this Order?
§ Mr. TENNANTOrders in the sense mentioned were issued, but have now been withdrawn as no longer necessary except in the case of three towns, where cases of small-pox recently occurred. The restrictions were not enforced for men recently vaccinated. The Orders were a measure of precaution and not indicative of any loss of faith in the protective virtues of vaccination. The War Office docs not abjure its faith so easily as my hon. Friend seems to suppose, but it will omit nothing which is calculated to preserve the health of His Majesty's Forces.
§ Mr. WINGAre any of the exempted towns mentioned in the right hon. Gentleman's reply in the county of Durham?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am unable to say.