HC Deb 20 December 1937 vol 330 cc1607-8
63. Mr. Kelly

asked the Secretary of State for War how many days' work has been lost by men who were compulsorily vaccinated at Woolwich Arsenal during 1936 and 1937; and was any wage paid to such men for loss of work through such compulsory vaccination?

Sir V. Warrender

While it is impossible to give the exact figure asked for in the first part of the question, half day rate, subject to the regulated deduction for National Health Insurance benefit, is payable for a period up to three weeks during sickness due to vaccination carried out in response to a general notice urging vaccination, or to a particular recommendation by the factory medical officer. The same rule applies to new entrants required as a condition of their employment to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated.

Mr. Kelly

Is there anything which states that some people may not receive that? While the regulation states that they may receive it, are any people excluded from receiving it?

Sir V. Warrender

I do not think so.

Mrs. Tate

In view of the fact that for many years now a larger number of people have died as a result of vaccination than from smallpox, should not compulsory vaccination be done away with?

64. Mr. Kelly

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the date of the regulation for compulsory vaccination of new entrants to the Woolwich Arsenal?

Sir V. Warrender

The regulation, which is of long standing, was reviewed in 1930. It provides that entrants who do not bear good marks of secondary vaccination or who have not had smallpox are normally required to be vaccinated, but that exemption may be granted to an entrant who makes a statutory declaration that he conscientiously believes that vaccination would be prejudicial to his health. In the case of an entrant under 21, who has not been previously vaccinated, a written statement of objection is accepted.

Mr. Kelly

In view of the fact that there has been no epidemic of smallpox or any of the other diseases with which vaccination is stated to deal, will the Department consider the abolition of it?

Sir V. Warrender

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman is aware that a question on that point is to be addressed to my right hon. Friend to-morrow.

Mr. Mathers

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether soldiers, once they are in the Army, are allowed later on to exercise a choice as to whether they will be vaccinated or inoculated, although they have been vaccinated on their entry into the Army?