§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the grave office delays which have occurred in the appointment of a secretary to fill the place of the secretary of the Local War Pensions Committee at Bromley, who was suspended from his functions and sent in his resignation in August last; whether the official who has boon performing the duties of secretary, who was recommended by the executive and the committee to fill the vacancy, has been appointed and confirmed in rank; and, if so, what is the date of this confirmation?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have been asked to reply to this question. I understand that the former secretary was suspended from duty by the Local War Pensions Committee on 30th September last and dismissed on 16th December. On the 11th December I gave approval to the appointment as secretary of the official who performed the duties during the period of suspension. The approval had effect as from 16th December, but further consideration is being given to the question as to the date from which the increase of salary should be paid.