§ 31. Mr. Leachasked the Secretary of State for War how far inoculations against typhus are the rule in the case of soldiers going to North Africa; whether any statistics exist to prove the value of such inoculations; and what is the Army experience in the matter in the present war?
§ Sir J. GriggAll inoculations in the Army are voluntary. Every soldier now going to North Africa is, however, encouraged to receive this form of protection against typhus and the majority of the troops in this theatre of operations have been inoculated. This type of inoculation has only been used for a short time and statistics are not yet available: but experience indicates that it is valuable both in preventing the disease and in lessening its seriousness if it is contracted.
§ Mr. LeachCan the right hon. Gentleman say what experience he is referring to when he says that it is justified?
§ Sir J. GriggExperience in the pathological laboratories and in the few cases where typhus has appeared.
Viscountess AstorCan the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that immunisation against diphtheria will not be made compulsory? It would be a very dangerous experiment.
§ Sir J. GriggThat is not the Question on the Order Paper. Perhaps the Noble Lady will put that down.