§ Major MacANDREWasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the spread of small-pox, he intends to resort to the more widespread use of vaccination?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn areas invaded by small-pox it is the usual practice for the local authorities to urge the importance of vaccination, and to announce the facilities available for vaccination free of cost to all who desire it, but as my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, there is no statutory provision for compulsory vaccination except in the case of children whose parents have not made declarations of conscientious objection to vaccination.
2145W
Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health how many cases of small-pox have been notified in the County of Durham since 1st January, 1925; and what was their condition as regards vaccination?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAccording to the information at present available, 2,006 cases of small-pox were notified in the County of Durham during the period 1st January, 1925, to 12th February, 1926, and of these cases 1,970 have, so far, been classified according to their vaccinal condition. At the time of infection 1,528 were unvaccinated, 429 had been vaccinated at some time in their lives, and in 13 instances the vaccinal condition was doubtful. Of the 429 who had been vaccinated, none was under the age of 15 years, and one only had been re-vaccinated, namely, a man aged 51, who had been vaccinated in infancy and revaccinated at the age of 14.