§ Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether the office of Sanitary Commissioner to the Government of India was established on the recommendation of the Plague Commission; whether that office is now vacant; and whether, in view of the prevalence of plague, cholera, malaria, and small-pox he will see that this office be not abolished, and that an appointment be made to it at once?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe vacancy in the office of Sanitary Commissioner with the Government of India caused by the death of the late incumbent has not yet been filled, and the duties of the post are at present discharged by the Director-General of the Indian Medical Depart- 1743 ment. The Government of India are disposed to think that the creation of a separate Sanitary Commissioner in 1904 has not fulfilled expectations, and are inclined to revert to the arrangement previously existing. The Secretary of State must reserve his decision until the full statement of the views which the Government of India have promised is before him. The Sanitary Commissioner is merely an advising officer to the Government of India. The responsibility for sanitation in the several provinces rests with the Local Governments. The office was not created in 1904 on the recommendation of the Plague Commission of 1898. The Plague Commission's scheme was not accepted.