Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the refusal of certain magistrates to witness statutory declarations under the Vaccination Act, 1907; and will he, following the precedent of one of his predecessors in office, address a circular to all magistrates calling their attention to the legal obligations upon them to witness statutory declarations when sitting in open Court and pointing out to them that they are neither required nor authorised to cross-examine applicants as to the reason of their objection to vaccination?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir; on the 17th instant I received a deputation from the National Anti-Vaccination League, which made representations to me on the subject. I will consider the question of issuing a circular when I 671W have received and examined certain particulars which I asked the deputation to furnish.