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78
In connection with the subject with which we have been
dealing we may advert to the suggestion that the vaccination and
the Sanitary Authority should in all cases be identical. It has
been pointed out that whilst the isolation of patients in hospitals
and otherwise is provided for by the Sanitary Authority the
extent of the provision requisite to deal with an outbreak of an
epidemic of Small-Pox may depend upon the degree in which the
vaccination laws have been enforced. More hospital accommodation
may be required where vaccination has been neglected
than where the vaccination laws have been complied with. It is
contended than sanitation and vaccination, concerning as they
both do the health of the people, should be under the jurisdiction
of a single authority, and that the Sanitary Authority is the
appropriate one for that purpose. Indeed, the advantage of
placing in the same hands the supervision of vaccination and of
the other measures designed to prevent the spread of disease are
so great and obvious that the proposal to do so deserves most
serious consideration
At the same time, we fully recognise the importance of
achieving it as far as possible, and we should regard with favour
such changes as would render the amalgamation of the vaccination
and sanitary authorities feasible, or indeed any steps taken in that
direction, even although they should only partially effect the
object in view. The report then goes on to discuss as to whether
any alterations should be made in the arrangements and proceedings
for securing the performance of vaccinations, and, in
particular, in those provisions of the Vaccination Acts with
respect to prosecutions for non-compliance with the Law. This
will be found at length in my report for 1896.
The Commissioners signing the majority report conclude as
follows :—
" It is to be hoped that our Report will stimulate belief in
the efficacy of vaccination, that it will remove some