§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the heavy costs demanded in vaccination prosecutions at Wexford; whether he has ascertained how these costs are made up; whether Section 10 of the Irish Vaccination Act of 1879 requires the costs in vaccination prosecutions to be paid out of the poor rates; and whether he will order the return of the money to those who have paid these illegal costs and compensation to those who have been obliged to suffer imprisonment in default of payment?
Mr. HENRYIt appears that the costs in the recent vaccination prosecutions in. Wexford vary from 2s. 6d. to 7s., as well as the fine in each established case of default. The Local Government Board are advised that the persons in default are liable for costs in addition to the penalty prescribed by Section 7 of the Vaccination (Amendment) (Ireland) Act, 1879. The costs are measured by the Petty Sessions Court and the Board have no power to review the amount or to order a refund of the costs imposed by a Court of law.