HC Deb 25 February 1918 vol 103 c1123W
Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Ballymore Trade and Labour League passed a resolution complaining of the treatment meted out to their president, Mr. Christopher Cullston, who was imprisoned in Waterford Gaol and treated as a third-class prisoner, being compelled to wear the prison garb, because he conscientiously objected to the vaccination of his child; why the Conscience Clause, which saves English objectors to vaccination from imprisonment, is not extended to Ireland ; and will he endeavour to have the law in this respect assimilated in both countries?

Mr. DUKE

The resolution referred to has been received. The prisoner was committed to Waterford Prison for seven days in default of paying a fine of 5s. and 8s. costs. He complained of his treatment and was offered ameliorations, but declined the privileges except that of wearing his own clothes. As to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in Debate on the 7th August, 1917, and to a written answer to a question by the hon. Baronet the Member for North Wexford in the Official Report of the 29th October.

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