Captain TERRELLasked the Prime Minister the present duties of the Under-Secretary for Health for Scotland; whether they are sufficient to occupy him for any reasonable amount of time; and whether he will consider the desirability of abolishing the position to save public money?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn terms of the Scottish Board of Health Act, 1919, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health is responsible under the Secretary for Scotland for the administration of the Scottish Board of Health in the exercise and performance of their powers and duties under the Act, and he is Vice-President of the Board by virtue of his office. In view of the position as regards housing, the duties of the office are not now so onerous as was anticipated when the Act was passed. Instead, however, of abolishing the office, the better course may be to extend the range of the duties of the
Year ending 31st March. No. of writs presented. Total fees paid. Amount paid in Salaries, Earnings and Bonus. Number of staff employed (actual). £ £ 1918 … … … … 28,818 24,562 29,594* 116 1919 … … … … 32,962 27,580 34,544* 152 1920 … … … … 49,937 47,319 50,304 197 1921 … … … … 59,772 51,721 70,106 225 1922 … … … … 50,614 (approx.) 48,745 65,675 233 * These amounts include payments made to members of the staff who were on active service.