§ Mr. CARR-GOMMasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the case of the children of Reservists who have been called up, he will give his sanction to magistrates granting an exemption certificate under the Vaccination Acts to the mother of the child?
§ Mr. McKENNAIn ordinary circumstances it rests with the father as having the legal custody of the child and being therefore responsible for its vaccination to make the statutory declaration required by the Act of 1907 in order to exempt himself from liability if he has a conscientious objection. Where, however, owing to the father's absence from home on military service the mother has the control of the child and becomes responsible for its vaccination, it would be open to her under the Acts to make the statutory declaration. No sanction from me is required, nor have I any power to take any action in the matter.