§ MR. W. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that in Brighton three unqualified meat inspectors have been appointed; whether he has had any communication on the subject; and whether he will decline to sanction such appointments made in opposition to the views of the local meat traders' association?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARDThe Corporation of Brighton submitted Bye-laws under a Local Act, empowering the four senior Assistant Inspectors of Nuisances to discharge the duties of an Inspector of Nuisances. No new officers were appointed, and if there had been such appointments no sanction on the part of the Board was required. The Board received objections on the part 1353 of the butchers to the proposed Bye-laws on the ground that if these officers had the powers of an inspector they would be empowered to make seizures of meat that was believed to be unfit for human food; but the Board were informed by the Corporation that every carcase in respect of which there was any dispute was examined by the Medical Officer of Health before being shown to the magistrate, and the Bye-laws were confirmed. I understand that the Royal Commission on tuberculosis have under consideration whether some qualifications by way of passing an examination should not be prescribed in the cases of persons empowered to make seizures of meat, and any proposals that may be made by the Commission on the subject will be carefully considered.