§ 92. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the prolonged controversy which has existed between the elected representatives of the people of the Ardee union and the Local Government Board regarding the appointment of 1661 local doctors and the area of their duties, and to the fact that numerous complaints have been made that the arrangements made by the Local Government Board have worked injuriously to the sick poor, he will appoint a small Committee to inquire into the matter and report on it?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe present medical relief arrangements in the Ardee union have been in operation for the past ten years and are satisfactory as regards the provision made for the medical care and treatment of the sick poor. Ardee union is more favourably circumstanced as regards the number of dispensary doctors employed than most unions in Ireland, and there is no necessity whatever for reopening this question. At the present time, when it is difficult to obtain medical officers for existing dispensaries, the creation of a new office is highly undesirable.