HC Deb 19 March 1940 vol 358 c1785
12. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 3 per cent. to 4 per cent. of soldiers vaccinated, who have required treatment as a result of such vaccination, are detained in hospital at one time?

Mr. Stanley

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

13. Mr. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now considered the case of Dennis Barnes, who died following vaccination; and whether he can now make a statement?

Mr. Stanley

Gunner Barnes was vaccinated by the medical officer on 28th December. No form of threat or pressure was used. The soldier at no time reported sick, and he was on parade on the morning of 27th January. He was billeted at his own home, and on the morning of 28th January he was reported by his father to be very ill. A Royal Army Medical Corps officer went with the father immediately to the house and found that the soldier was dead. The matter was reported to the Coroner who arranged for a post mortem examination by the pathologist of the East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital. The pathologist was asked to consider carefully whether the fatal infection was in any way connected with the vaccination, and stated that the cause of death was a streptococcal infection which he did not think obtained entrancethrough the vaccination mark. The vaccination scab appeared quite healthy. In view of this report, the Coroner did not consider it necessary to hold an inquest.

Mrs. Tate

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Government lymph is no longer calf lymph and has entirely changed its nature, which makes it exceedingly dangerous?