§ 11. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that in connection with the proposed tubercular dispensary system the medical officers to be appointed are required to have the diploma of public health, and that many of the present dispensary medical officers, although performing the duties 1350 of medical officers of health, do no possess this diploma and cannot obtain it except upon conditions which in many cases are impracticable; and if, in these circumstances, he will endeavour to arrange that dispensary medical officers may be eligible for appointment as county tubercular officers, subject, in the absence of the diploma of health or a bacteriological certificate, to the successful candidates satisfying the Irish Local Government Board by examination as to their fitness for the position?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMedical officers to be appointed in Ireland in connection with the dispensary system referred to in the question are not required to have a diploma of public health. The necessary qualifications are defined by an Order of the Local Government Board dated 10th instant. I am sending a copy to the hon. Baronet.