§ Sir WATSON CHEYNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that assistant medical officers of public asylums are not allowed to marry; and, if so, whether that rule will be rescinded?
§ Mr. SHORTTAny rules governing the conditions of service of medical officers of asylums are made by the visiting committees who manage the asylums and appoint the officers. I am informed that there is no general rule preventing the marriage of assistant-medical officers, but the possibility of the marriage of assistant-medical officers is largely dependent on the nature of the residence provided for them in the asylums; and in a large majority of cases the accommodation is only suitable for an unmarried officer. The Board of Control have used their influence in the direction of securing the provision of such accommodation as will enable the senior assistant medical officer, and, in large asylums, the second assistant-medical officer to marry. Separate houses have been provided with this object in the grounds of some ten county asylums, including four of those belonging to the London County Council.