HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 92 cc574-5
6. Mr. DORIS

asked the Chief Secretary under what statute or by what authority the Local Government Board for Ireland claim the right to object to the appointment of Dr. George Maguire as medical officer of Newport (Mayo) dispensary district, on the grounds that he is of military age; and, if the Board have no such legal right, will he advise the immediate sanction of the appointment, so that the sick poor of this district may have the medical attendance to which they are entitled?

Mr. DUKE

Under the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act, 1851, the approval of the Local Government Board is required to any appointment of the medical officer of a dispensary district.

Mr. DORIS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the grounds why this gentleman was not sanctioned?

Mr. DUKE

My impression is that he was not sanctioned because he was of an age when he was eligible to render much more important services to the State.

Mr. DORIS

What will the poor people do for medical attendance?