§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, having regard to the fact that, although Medical Officers, summoned by subpœna to give evidence in criminal cases, are paid their fees at professional rates, in the cases of dispensary officers absent on such duties the ratepayers are called upon to pay a locum tenens, whether he will consider the advisability of ordering in future that such doctors must provide their own substitute.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Local Government Board have been advised that a medical officer compelled by subpœna to be absent from his district is temporarily 868 incapacitated from performing his duties within the meaning of the Relief Act and Orders, and the Board of Guardians were bound, therefore, to make provision for the care of the sick poor during his absence by employing and paying a temporary substitute. It is a matter of very rare occurrence for a Board of Guardians to have to incur expenses such as these.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman prepare a Return showing how much this has cost to the ratepayers?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am informed there are very few cases. I will look into the matter and see if the Return is justified.