§ Mrs. Leah Manningasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the announcement that inoculation and vaccination are still on a voluntary basis for all Navy personnel, made by the Medical Director of the Medical Department of the Navy on 13th June, 1942, has his approval.
Mr. Dugdale:Yes. The Regulations provide that no punishment or penalty is to be incurred for declining vaccination and that voluntary inoculation only can be performed. I must add, however, that while refusal is not followed by any disciplinary measures it is not without certain disabilities. An objector cannot be allowed to land in ports where there is any danger of infection; he is not accepted for a further engagement after his current engagement expires; and he will not be enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve after he leaves the regular Service. These disabilities are of long standing and are now under review.