§ 57. Major OWENasked the Minister of Health on what ground the Ministry refused to confirm the appointment of the relieving officer at Llanllyfni, in the county of Caernarvon, recently made by the Caernarvonshire County Council on the advice of the public assistance committee?
Sir H. YOUNGThe candidate chosen by the council does not possess the qualifications required for a person to be appointed as relieving officer which are laid down in Article 159 of the Public Assistance Order, 1930, nor has he experi- 1254 ence of the administration of relief. Accordingly, I do not feel justified in consenting to the appointment.
§ Major OWENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the clerk to the County Council has definitely stated that this man has had experience of local government work and that in the past the Ministry has appointed men who have had no qualifications whatsoever? Why is it that special action has been taken by the Ministry in this case?
Sir H. YOUNGWith regard to the first part of the supplementary question, the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is certainly not in accordance with my information. With regard to the second part, I will say that two blacks do not make a white, and it is essential that these appointments should be made from experienced persons.
§ 58. Major OWENasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet replied to the second letter received by him from the Caernarvonshire County Council asking for an explanation of the qualifications deemed to be necessary in an applicant for the post of relieving officer, in order to comply with the requirements of Order 159 of the Public Assistance Order, 1930, dated 20th March, 1930?
§ Major OWENIs this the reply to the second letter, and has the right hon. Gentleman in that letter given an explanation of the Ministry's explanation of a particular paragraph in the Order?
Sir H. YOUNGThe reply to which I refer is dated the 2nd December. I think it is the letter which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.