§ Mr. Viantasked the Minister of Health how many cases of alastrim or mild smallpox have been recorded in Rochdale during the past three months; how many of them were recorded in vaccinated persons; how many were fatal; and what was the cost of isolating those that were isolated.
§ Mr. CrookshankOne hundred and thirty-eight cases have been notified in the outbreak in the Rochdale area. Individual vaccinal particulars are being compiled but are not yet complete. There have been no deaths. It is not practicable separately to compute the cost mentioned in the last part of the Question.
§ Mr. Viantasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the mild disease recorded as smallpox at Rochdale resulted in no deaths while vaccination was the cause of the death of a previously healthy young man; and whether, in view of the more serious results of vaccination, as compared with this mild form of smallpox, he will discourage vaccination during such outbreaks.
CrookshankI am aware of the facts mentioned but am unable to accept the hon. Member's deduction or do as he suggests.