§ 11. Mr. Viantasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in spite of doubts of the efficacy of anti-cholera inoculation expressed by eminent Army medical officers, an Army medical officer forcibly inoculated Gunner Blackie, 1639226, in Bombay, on 15th April, 1942, against cholera; that Blackie was then charged with conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and awarded seven days' field punishment with loss of seven days' pay; and whether he will inform the officers responsible that they 896 have violated Army rules and regulations and must make reparation to Blackie for the assault on his health and the illegal punishment he received for exercising his rights?
22. Viscountess Astorasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner Blackie, 1639226, refused to be inoculated in India against cholera, after having learned that vaccination and inoculation can only be performed on men going overseas subject to the consent of each individual, as was stated by the Secretary of State for War in this House, in October, 1939; that this man was held down and forcibly inoculated by the medical officer on 15th April, 1942; and whether any reparation will be made for this illegal assault on a member of His Majesty's forces?
§ Sir J. GriggI am making inquiries into this case, and will communicate with my hon. Friends in due course.