HC Deb 26 July 1923 vol 167 cc742-3W
Mr. TILLETT

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that the public vaccinator of Salford insisted on vaccinating the child of Mr. R. Headon, of 79, Nora Street, Lower Broughton, in spite of the fact that the period during which a conscientious objection to vaccination may to be lodged had not expired, the child having been born on 10th March and vaccination taking place on 19th April; and what steps does he propose taking to prevent this abuse of the Regulations?

Lord E. PERCY

My right hon. Friend has communicated with the guardians in reference to this case, and is informed that the public vaccinator called at the house of Mr. Headon on the 19th April and offered to vaccinate the child; that the mother did not raise any objection or demur in any way; and that she has confirmed this statement, but added that she thought vaccination was compulsory. There is no evidence that the public vaccinator insisted on vaccinating the child without the parent's consent, or of any abuse of the Regulations which calls for any special action on the part of the Minister. I may add that the exemption certificate of conscientious objection is dated 25 days after the child had been vaccinated.