SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he will explain why a district medical officer of the Aylesbury Union, after being re-elected for twenty-three years in succession, has now, when sixty-four years old and eligible in one year for superannuation, been deprived of his appointment; and whether, in view of the Superannuation Act, 1896, he proposes to take any, and, if any, what, action in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) Until recently the late medical officer did not reside in his district, and hence he was only appointed from year to year. I am not informed why, when an appointment had to be made this year, the guardians preferred to appoint the present holder of the office, but it was within their competence to do so if they thought fit. The matter is not one in which I can take any action.