HC Deb 15 February 1926 vol 191 cc1536-7
72. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Health if he can give the House any statistics as to the number of infant children who are unvaccinated; and what was the percentage of children born who were vaccinated in 1925 and 1905, respectively?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend has no information as to the number of infant children living to-day who are unvaccinated. The last year for which complete information relating to the vaccination of infants is at present available is 1923. In that year 758,404 births were registered in England and Wales, and of these 395,553 had not been vaccinated by the 31st January, 1925. The percentage of vaccinations to births in 1923 was 47.8, and the corresponding percentage for 1905 was 75.8.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the question whether the change in the form of registration of births made by the late Government has been responsible for a considerably larger number of children than before not being vaccinated?

Sir K. WOOD

I will look into the matter.