§ MR. SEXTONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the population within the area of the Belfast Poor Law Union, the number of dispensary districts and dispensary doctors, the population in each dispensary district, and the salaries paid to the doctors; whether there is any other district in Ireland where dispensary doctors have such large popu- 1097 lations within their district; and whether, in the interest of the poor of Belfast, the Union will be divided into a larger number of dispensary districts, and additional dispensary doctors appointed?
§ * MR. JACKSONThe population of the Belfast Union in 1881 was 239,283. There are two dispensary districts, Belfast and Castlereagh. The first-named has ten medical officers, the latter three. The population of the Belfast district in 1881 was 203,000, and of Castlereagh 36,000. The salaries of the medical officers of the Belfast district amount to £1,009. These officers receive salaries varying from £100 to £125. In Castlereagh the three officers receive £145, £135, and £115. While the population is larger than in any other district in Ireland, it should be borne in mind the area of the district is small. No representation has been made to the Local Government Board as to the necessity of subdivision of the district and the appointment of more doctors.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider that, though the area of the district is small, the growth of the population of Belfast has been so exceptional that these medical officers, in proportion to the work done, are the worst paid in Ireland?
§ * MR. JACKSONI am sure if any representation is made to the Local Government Board it will be carefully considered.