HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1261-2
12. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the officer responsible for placing a notice on His Majesty's ship "Ophir," on approaching land, to the effect that only men who had been vaccinated would be allowed shore leave, was acting on instructions from the Admiralty; whether he is aware that there were no cases of small-pox either on the "Ophir" or in the district the ship was approaching; and whether he will issue instructions to ships' officers directing them to give the usual leave to all men, irrespective of vaccination and inoculation, unless there are special circumstances warranting their withholding it?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The King's Regulations direct that persons declining vaccination are not allowed to land in ports where there may be any danger of contracting small-pox. The suggestion that there were no small-pox cases on "Ophir," or in the district she happened to be approaching at the moment, does not render the Regulation inapplicable.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the captain of the "Ophir"?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am afraid I cannot.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Is the Admiralty going to take any steps to correct the officer in question of this breach of the Regulations?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am not aware that there has been any breach of the Regulations; I do not think so.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that where there is no disease there is always a risk and that, therefore, invariably every person on board ship must be vaccinated, whether he is in the Navy or not?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have stated what the King's Regulations are; they direct that persons declining vaccination are not to be allowed to land.