§ 14. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to introduce legislation repealing the present Act of Parliament imposing compulsory vaccination upon infants providing the Minister of Health retained or obtained the power to order vaccination or revaccination in times of emergency, as recommended on numerous occasions by members of the British Medical Association?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I regret that I cannot give any undertaking at the present time as to the introduction of legislation on the subject of vaccination.
§ Mr. GROVESDoes that answer mean that at some future time he will consider the matter? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is to-day a considerable feeling of hostility to the compulsory imposition of this Act? If vaccination is in some measure a contribution to health, why did the right hon. Gentleman not see fit to mention it in his statement last week in reviewing the past 25 years?
§ Sir K. WOODI had better do that in twelve months' time.
§ Sir P. HARRISWhat percentage of the parents asked for exemption from vaccination and made formal application?
§ Sir K. WOODI have not those figures with me.
§ Mr. GROVESSixty per cent.
§ Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLEAs this matter is one of very serious consideration at the present time, has my right 1990 hon. Friend got investigations going on, especially by bodies like the Medical Research Council, into the possibility of an alternative to the present vaccination law?