§ 71. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Minister of Health whether his Department has received from the Plymouth Town Council a report of the proceedings culminating in the dismissal of Dr. Bushnell; whether he has approved this dismissal; and, if so, whether he will give the doctor an opportunity of having the charges against him specified in order that he may refute them?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend's approval is not required to the determination by the town council of their contract with Dr. Bushnell, and the last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIs it not a fact that before a medical officer can be appointed by a borough council they must obtain the approval of my right hon. Friend? Has it not been a grave injustice that a medical man can be dismissed without any proper charge being made against him and without his having the opportunity of answering any complaints?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question was in the negative. The hon. Member is now referring to the question of dismissal. As I have already told him, the consent of the Minister of Health is not required for the termination of a contract. On the question of injustice I can give no opinion.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWill my hon. Friend undertake to secure power, in order that justice may be done in these cases?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWill the hon. Gentleman undertake to interfere as little as possible with local authorities?