§ 76. Mr. FREEMANasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to announce any concessions in respect of the Vaccination Acts, which he promised to consider after receiving a deputation in October last on the matter; and 658 whether he will arrange for a public inquiry into the present position, in view of the fact that more than 60 per cent. of the population claim exemption for their children at birth?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have under consideration the whole subject of vaccination, including the desirability of some further inquiry, but I am not at present in a position to make any announcement on this question. I may point out that the latest figures available, namely, those for 1927, show that in that year, not 60 per cent., but just over 40 per cent. of the parents made declarations of conscientious objection to vaccination.
§ Mr. FREEMANIn view of the large proportion of the population who do not accept this compulsory basis, will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting the matter on a voluntary basis?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat will be a matter for inquiry.