§ 30. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Lindsey County Council recently advertised for a lady doctor as an assistant to the medical officer of Lindsey at a salary of £400 per annum, plus travelling allowances; that 15 applications were received from properly qualified persons; that the approval of the Ministry of Health to such appointment has been withheld; and will he state on what grounds the appointment cannot be approved?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have no official information as to the number of applicants for this post, nor as to their qualifications. As regards the last part, I should not be able to approve this appointment, as I am not satisfied that it would be possible to obtain for the salary proposed an officer with the necessary qualifications and experience of the important work attaching to this post, or one who would be likely to secure the co-operation of the medical practitioners in the county.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lindsey County Council have appointed a properly qualified person at the salary stated in my question, and that they consider that in doing that they are carrying out the instructions of the Department to exercise economy?
Captain CROOKSHANKis it not a fact that this kind of incident will not be able to arise if and when a system of block grants is instituted?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe last is a hypothetical question. In reply to the supplementary question of my hon. Friend the Member for Grimsby (Mr. Womersley), I have no official information yet as to the appointment; but unofficially I have learned that the person whom it was proposed to appoint is not a person whose training and qualifications are such as I could approve.