61. Dr. V. DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the usual procedure with unvaccinated prisoners in regard to vaccination in normal times and during the presence of small-pox in the district or prison?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)In normal times no special steps are taken except as regards convicts sentenced to penal servitude, who, unless they present good vaccination marks, are vaccinated before removal to the convict prison. During an outbreak of small-pox in the area in which a prison, whether a local prison or a convict prison, is situated, or in areas from which prisoners are received, it is the practice to vaccinate all prisoners who have not been previously vaccinated within recent years.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the prisoners have any choice in this matter as to whether or not they will be vaccinated?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have never heard any complaints from them.