§ 86. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether the incidence of smallpox has increased or decreased since the operation of the present Regulations affecting exemption from vaccination?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is presumed that the hon. Member is referring to the Order issued by my right hon. Friend's predecessor which had the effect of reversing an Order issued by him on the 20th July, 1923, and of re-inserting the form of statutory declaration of conscientious objection in the notice of requirement of vaccination handed to the parent or guardians when the birth of a child is registered. The Order of my right hon. Friend's predecessor came into force on the 1st October, 1924, and since that date the incidence of small-pox has considerably increased.
§ Mr. GROVESQuite apart from the data, that having nothing to do with the question, is the hon. Gentleman not aware that since the number of exemptions have been increased small-pox has diminished? In view of that, will the hon. Gentleman consider a change in the present law so as to make it easier for people to get exemption, or rather, to put it the other way, not to compel people to be vaccinated, if—
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKBefore that question is answered, may I ask the hon. Member whether it is not the case that since the lapse of the more strict regulations formerly prevailed, the incidence of small-pox has increased?