HC Deb 24 June 1943 vol 390 cc1288-9
16. Mr. Frankel

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Southampton Borough Council have decided not to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of the chief sanitary inspector; and whether he is satisfied with the position of this matter, having regard to the advantage which such appointments have in setting free highly-trained medical men to concentrate on the work for which they are specially appointed, as recommended in the Ministry's Circular 2624?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I am informed that the County Borough Council, after full consideration, decided that in fairness to those sanitary inspectors who are at present in the Forces, it would be preferable to postpone the appointment of a chief sanitary inspector until the cessation of hostilities. One of the Council's sanitary inspectors is carrying out all the duties previously carried out by the chief sanitary inspector, and is accepted as acting chief sanitary inspector by the remaining inspectors. The matter is one within the discretion of the Council, and in which it Would not be proper for me to intervene.

Mr. Frankel

Would the Minister agree that the Southampton Borough Council could do what other local authorities do, and appoint somebody in a temporary capacity for the duration of the war?

Mr. Brown

Yes, but the Southampton Borough Council have discussed this fully, and have come to a democratic decision about it.

Dr. Russell Thomas

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that questions of this kind are best left to the Members for Southampton?

Mr. Frankel

Does the Minister know that this decision was reached on the advice of the hon. and medical Member for Southampton (Dr. Thomas)?