HC Deb 23 June 1913 vol 54 cc785-6
37. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked whether the Government has decided to abandon for this Session the Milk and Dairies Bill?

Mr. BURNS

I am afraid I can only refer to the replies given to similar questions by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Amendments proposed to be put down on this Bill require at least a month's consideration?

Mr. BURNS

Yes, but that is no reason why they should receive a similar amount of consideration in this House, and if the objections are withdrawn in the House there is no reason, providing the Bill goes through Committee, why it should not pass into law.

38. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the new and responsible duties of district medical officers of health in connection with housing, milk supply, and other like matters, and the difficulties which they experience in carrying out such duties in consequence of the insecurity of the tenure of their offices, he will, seeing that a substantial proportion of their salaries is provided by Government Grant, take steps, under Section 191 of the Public Health Act, 1875, as in the case of Poor Law officers, to render their appointment, subject to good behaviour, continuous for their lives or until their superannuation at a specified age or their removal by the Board on the ground of incapacity?

Mr. BURNS

Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a somewhat similar question put by the hon. Member for the London University on the 19th instant.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this does not deal with the same question as my hon. Friend's question, and that my object is to elicit further information?

Mr. BURNS

The question put by the hon. Member to-day covers nine-tenths of the ground covered -by the other question.

Mr. EDWARD WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing an appeal in these cases?

Mr. BURNS

Medical officers have an appeal to the Local Government Board.

Mr.E. WOOD

Not in these financial matters, have they?

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