HC Deb 13 June 1944 vol 400 cc1800-1W
Mr. Viant

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Rule 5 of the temporary rules for the vaccination of people resident in Gibraltar during the outbreak of small-pox in February and March contained any recognition of conscientious objection to vaccination; and what authority exists for imposing vaccination on persons leaving a colony.

Colonel Stanley

Rule 5 of the Gibraltar Vaccination Rules, 1944, did not make vaccination compulsory; the effect of the Rule was, simply, to make it clear that persons who had not been vaccinated might not leave Gibraltar. The absence, therefore, of the element of compulsion made unnecessary, in this particular Rule, any reference to the recognition of the rights of conscientious objectors. As regards the second part of the Question, these Rules were made by the Governor under the authority conferred on him by Section 209 of the Gibraltar Public Health Ordinance.