HC Deb 11 November 1902 vol 114 cc599-600
MR. TULLY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in the county Waterford the medical men have combined not to accept any position as dispensary medical officer at a less salary than £200 per year; and whether, in view of the inconvenience that has recently arisen at elections of doctors in that county, will he state what steps the Government propose to take to ameliorate the position of dispensary medical officers in Ireland.

MR. WYNDHAM

It appears that a resolution to the effect indicated in the first part of the Question was passed by the Waterford Medical Association in September. In reply to the second inquiry, I do not think I can usefully add to my reply to the similar Question put to me by the hon. Member on Thursday last. †

MR. TULLY

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman take steps to raise the salaries of these people to something higher than the wages of mechanics?

MR. WYNDHAM

That is a matter which cannot be dealt with by way of Question and Answer. There are many points to be considered, including the burden on the poor ratepayers.