§ MR. H. F. BEAUMONTsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Why the appointment of certifying surgeon under the Factory Acts for the Batley district, vacant by death on the 16th day of April last, was delayed by the Inspector for a period of three weeks, and then filled by the nomination of a non-resident stranger, without the usual regard to the wishes of the millowners and manufacturers of the district, who supported the claims of resident candidates?
§ SIR GEORGE GREY,in reply, said, the appointment of certifying surgeon under the Factory Acts was placed by law in the hands of the Inspector of Factories, and not of the Secretary of State. Upon inquiry he had ascertained that the delay was occasioned by a doubt entertained in the first instance whether any fresh appointment was necessary, or whether there might not be a re-distribution of offices. The gentlemen selected from among nine or ten candidates had been a certified surgeon in another district, and might therefore be considered experienced in the discharge of his duty. If any dissatisfaction were felt with his decisions, power existed to call in another opinion; but in no case had this ever been done.