§ Mr. MACKINDERasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Bebbington and Brombrough (Cheshire) Urban District Council, with a population of 61W 21,104, covering 3,431 acres, and a rateable value of £167,934, employ a part-time clerk at a salary of £500 a year and emoluments, the total of which has reached as high as £2,000 in one year; that his offices are in Liverpool, miles away; and, in view of the spreading practice of appointing part-time men to these very important positions, will he introduce legislation to ensure that these should be whole-time appointments?
Mr. GREENWOODMy right hon. Friend is not aware of the precise facts with regard to the status and emoluments of the clerk to this council. The terms of appointment of clerks to urban district councils are not subject to his approval. My right hon. Friend would see great difficulty in introducing legislation to restrict the freedom of urban district councils in this matter, especially in view of the varying circumstances of the districts.