§ 38. Mr. J. DAVISONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Stoker P. O. Arthur Simmons and other men serving on His Majesty's steamship "Culypos" in the Black Sea have been confined to the ship for three months because of their refusal to be vaccinated; whether lie is aware that Simmons has already been vaccinated three times whilst in the Navy; whether this punishment is in accordance with the Regulations; and whether he will have inquiry made into the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The Admiralty has no information as to the particular case quoted, but the circumstances related in the question are in accordance with the Regulations, which provide that persons who decline revaccination were not to land in ports where there is danger of contracting small-pox. A virulent type of small-pox is endemic in the Black Sea. The confinement to the ship in such cases is not a punishment but a necessary precaution to protect both those who decline revaccination and their shipmates.