§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether he is aware that hundreds of defaulters under the Vaccination Acts are being prosecuted, or threatened with prosecution, in aunty Wexford; that during the past few months large numbers of men from the town of Wexford have suffered imprisonment in default of paying fines under the Vaccination Acts; and that at the present time large numbers at New floss and Gorey are liable to imprisonment in default of payment; and what is the reason for the differential treatment meted out to Irish disbelievers in vaccination as compared with the state of the law in England, Wales, and Scotland?
Mr. HENRYThe guardians of the Wexford, New Ross and Gorey Unions are enforcing the Vaccination Acts, and where necessary institute legal proceedings at Petty Sessions. Vaccination is compulsory in Ireland, and the King's Bench Division have enforced the application of the Acts by mandamus. The punishment inflicted is a matter for the Court before which the case comes.