§ Mr. R. RUSSELLasked the Minister of Health the number of fatalities known to have occurred from encephalitis fol- 689W lowing vaccination; and what steps are being taken in regard to the matter?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMy Department have information of 100 deaths from encephalitis following vaccination which have occurred during the periodfrom December, 1922, to 30th September, 1929. With regard to the second part of the question, the whole subject of vaccination, including the occurrence in some instances of disease of the central nervous system following vaccination, hasbeen examined by an expert committee whose Report was published last year. As a result of that committee's recommendations, some modifications have been made in the technique which public vaccinators are advised to follow, and investigations into the subject are being continued by the, committee.
§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Section 8 of the Vaccination Act contemplates the performance of re-vaccination by public vaccinators only in cases where persons apply for it; and whether he will explain how, in view of this fact, the new regulations he has issued which authorise the re-vaccination of children who may be as young as 12 months can be brought within this category?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am advised that there is nothing in the Vaccination Order, 1929, which is in conflict with Section 8 of the Vaccination Act, 1867, as the Order contains no provision authorising the revaccination of any person except on application. In the case of a child, the application has to be made by the parent or other person having the custody of the child.