§ SIR GUYER HUNTER (Hackney, Central)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Would he state if it is the intention of Government to insert a clause in the Local Government Bill rendering it necessary for gentlemen appointed Medical Officers of Health to possess a Public Health diploma, such diploma having now obtained State recognition by the Medical Act of 1886, Section 21?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)Under the Medical Act, 1886, a medical practitioner who has a diploma for proficiency in sanitary science, public health, or State medicine, which appears to the Privy Council or the General Medical Council to deserve recognition in the Medical Register, may have such diploma entered on the Register. I do 1371 not propose to introduce in the Local Government Bill a clause rendering it essential that a medical practitioner, in order to be qualified for holding the office of Medical Officer of Health, should hold one of the diplomas referred to; but, no doubt, the authority appointing the officer, in connection with the applications of the several candidates, will give due consideration to the diplomas which they may hold.