§ Mr. Viantasked the Minister of Health why it is considered necessary to vaccinate, as well as quarantine, suspected contacts with smallpox entering this country from overseas, in view of the fact that vaccination after exposure, however early, cannot be relied upon; and that vaccination, even early in the incubation period, may aggravate the smallpox attack if it fails to prevent it.
§ Mr. BevanI am advised that successful vaccination within two days, of first contact will entirely protect the majority of contacts and in any case will mitigate the severity of any attack, and I certainly cannot accept the last part of the Question. I would add that vaccination in such cases is purely voluntary.