§ Mr. MARTINasked whether Dr. Starkie was appointed medical officer to the police at Pratt Street station, in Somers Town, East St. Pancras, as part of an arrangement by which the previous incumbent, Dr. Thompson, sold his practice to Dr. Starkie, who up to a few days ago was not a resident of the district; and, if so, why were medical men resident in the district asked to send in applications for the position?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLDr. Starkie was not appointed Divisional Surgeon at Somers Town as part of any such arrangement. The invariable rule in making these appointments is to select from among the applicants the candidate who is considered to have the best qualifications for the post, and this rule was observed in the present case. A non-resident medical man is never appointed, but length of residence is obviously a minor factor. Dr. Starkie has, I understand, been residing near Somers Town Police Station since May last.