87. Sir WALTER PRESTONasked the Minister of Health what percentage of newly-born children were vaccinated in 1907; what percentage of children were vaccinated in 1922; and what was the total number of exemptions from vaccination granted in 1907, and the total number of exemptions in 1922?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn 1907, 70.9 per cent. of the newly-born children were vaccinated; in 1921, the percentage was 38.3. The total number of exemptions from vaccination was 76,709 in 1907, and 382,155 in 1921. Figures for 1922 are not yet available.
Sir W. PRESTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Germany vaccination is compulsory on everybody at birth and every seven years, and that smallpox is unknown; and in view of its occurrence in this country, is he satisfied that his Department has sufficient powers to deal with infectious disease?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware of the facts in reference to Germany, but I am convinced that vaccination is necessary to keep smallpox out of this country.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a Debate on vaccination at Question Time.
| Period. | Number of cases notified. | Other cases reported but not notified. | Cases subsequently withdrawn or not regarded as small-pox. | Net Total of cases. |
| 1921 | 343 | 23 | 30 | 336 |
| 1922* | 1,042 | 17 | 80 | 979 |
| 1923* (first three months) | 533 | 5 | 18 | 520 |
| * The figures are provisional, as full particulars of certain cases have not yet been received. |