DR. CAMERON (for Dr. LUSH)asked the President of the Local Government Board, If he will state to the House the reasons why he has recently refused to confirm the appointments of medical officers of health for a longer period than one year; and, on what grounds it is believed that such a limitation of tenure is likely to operate beneficially in securing activity and efficiency in the performance of the duties of sanitary officers?
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTH,in reply, said, under the Act of 1872 it was provided that the first appointment of medical officers of health should be for a period of five years. An experimental period was adopted in order to see whether the arrangement was satisfactory, or whether any change would be desirable. He agreed that the efficiency of an officer was increased by the permanency of his appointment, and the practice was to sanction permanent appointments where the medical officer of health devoted his whole time to the performance of his duties. In cases where he did not devote his whole time he (MR. Sclater-Booth) thought that the rule of five years would be convenient. The Report of an experienced Inspector reviewing the whole question would soon be submitted to him.