§ Mr. Viantasked (1) the Minister of Health whether civilians returning to this country from overseas on vessels in which cases of smallpox have been reported are compelled to submit to vaccination and quarantine on arrival in this country; and under what authority this is done;
- (2)the Secretary of State for War to what extent his regulations compel Ser vice personnel returning to this country from overseas on vessels in which cases of smallpox have been reported to submit both to vaccination and quarantine on arrival in this country, and what are the penalties if they refuse;
- (3)the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether Service personnel returning to this country from overseas on vessels in which cases of smallpox have been re ported are compelled to submit both to vaccination and quarantine on arrival in this country; and under what authority this is done;
- (4) the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Service personnel returning to this country from overseas on vessels in which cases of smallpox have been re ported are compelled to submit both to vaccination and quarantine on arrival in this country; and under what authority this is done.
§ Mr. BevanI have been asked to reply also to the three Questions addressed to my right hon. Friends the Service Ministers
As regards civilians, I would refer my hon. Friend to Article 10 of the Port Health Amendment Regulations, 1945, made under the Public Health Act, 1936 Under that article persons reasonably suspected by the medical officer of the port health authority of having been exposed to infection on board, unless in the 402W opinion of that officer the person is sufficiently protected by recent vaccination or by a previous attack of smallpox, may be offered vaccination, but its acceptance is not compulsory. The medical officer is required to impose either surveillance or isolation, but can impose isolation only if in his opinion there is an exceptionally serious risk of introduction of smallpox into the country.
As regards Service personnel, I understand that acceptance of vaccination is not compulsory. With regard to isolation and surveillance, the Service medical authorities are guided by the general policy of the Ministry of Health and, in particular cases, by the advice of the medical officer of the port health authority, so that conformity with the practice of the civil authorities may be as close as practicable. The penalties for refusal to carry out any order with regard to isolation or surveillance are those applicable to refusal to carry out lawful commands.