HC Deb 02 October 1924 vol 177 cc353-4W
Mr. J. GUEST

asked the Minister of Health if he has approved of the terms of the advertisement by the Tetbury Urban and District Councils, dated 11th August, 1924, inviting applications for the position of sanitary inspector to the two councils, the officer appointed to devote his whole time to the duty of his offices, provide his own office accommodation, and pay his own travelling expenses; whether he is aware that the district comprises 14 parishes, with an area of 56,320 acres; that, in addition to his duties as sanitary inspector, such officer will also have to act as housing inspector, inspector of workshops, carry out all orders of the Ministry of Health, perform such other duties as the council may direct, act as surveyor and manager of the sewage outfall works, and as waterworks engineer to the urban council; and that the inclusive joint salary is £251 per annum; and whether he is satisfied that one officer can possibly discharge the duties of all the offices set out and that the salary is an adequate one for the office of sanitary inspector alone?

Mr. WHEATLEY

The reply to the first part of the question is "Yes," but, according to the Department's information, the total area of the two districts is less than 30,000 acres, and not 56,320 acres as stated. I understand that the council have obtained the services of a young and properly qualified officer, whose appointment I am about to approve. The salary rises to £301 per annum.

Mr. R. RICHARDSON

asked the Minister of Health whether he approved of the terms of the advertisement issued by the Thetford Rural District Council for a sanitary inspector at a salary of £150 per annum, the inspector to pay his own travelling expenses; whether he is aware that the population of the district is 9,353, and the acreage 95,873; whether he is satisfied that the salary is an adequate one, and what proportion is estimated to cover travelling expenses; whether he is aware that the rural district council have appointed an unqualified man; and what action he proposes to take?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The council advertised the appointment without obtaining my right hon. Friend's approval, and he has informed them that he considers the terms offered inadequate. My right hon. Friend is still in communication with the council.