§ 17. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he received on the 24th June a letter from the National Vaccination Officers' Association, with reference to the salary that the 806 Bermondsey guardians propose to pay their vaccination officer and to the conditions imposed by them, being contrary to the Local Government Board Orders, 1908, and asking that he would grant this officer and one or two others, together with the honorary secretary, an interview with regard to the case and to the whole question generally; and, if so, will he say what action he proposes to take with regard to the Bermondsey case; and whether he will grant the interview asked for?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)My right hon. Friend has received the letter referred to. The guardians propose to pay an inclusive salary of £230 per annum, which is, in his opinion, ordinarily a sufficient remuneration for the work which a vaccination officer is called upon to perform. The guardians were, however, informed that the Local Government Board would be willing to sanction a somewhat larger salary in this case, but they adhered to the amount they had proposed. They have been informed that a condition that the officer should himself defray the cost of any legal assistance which it may be necessary for him to obtain is contrary to the General Order of 1898, and cannot be sanctioned. The case is not one in which my right hon. Friend can properly intervene further, and it does not appear that there would be any advantage in the interview proposed.
§ Mr. PETODoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be advisable, as he has lately assumed his new office, to hear both sides of the case before he comes to a decision?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISMy right hon. Friend has fully considered the matter.