HC Deb 15 December 1927 vol 211 c2472
2. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the number of cases of smallpox that have been notified in the prisons of Great Britain for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and whether the existing prison hospital staffs have been able to cope with them?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

During the 12 months ended 12th December, 1927, eight cases of small-pox have been notified in His Majesty's Prisons in England and Wales. Prisoners suffering from small-pox are removed at once to hospitals for infectious diseases so that the second part of the question does not arise. Any question as to Scotland should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when prisoners are removed to the hospital for infectious diseases the prison warders are sent to look after them at night?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

For greater accuracy I would ask the hon. Member to put that question on the Paper.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

Can my right hon. Friend state if unvaccinated prisoners are compulsorily vaccinated?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I would ask my hon. Friend to put that question on the Paper.