§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Minister of Transport whether, in the interest of economy, he will withdraw his objection to the employment of one man in the dual capacity of highway surveyor and sanitary inspector by the Basingstoke Rural District Council; whether he is aware that in this sparsely-populated agricultural district there is not work for a whole-time sanitary inspector, there being in the district no sewerage system, no factories, no streets, and only one slaughter-house, and that the highway surveyor, who in the course of his duties has to constantly traverse every road in the district; can well perform such sanitary inspection duties as are necessary?
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§ Colonel ASHLEYThe Basingstoke Rural District council is responsible for 221 miles of road, and I am advised that the services of a whole-time surveyor are essential if these highways are to be properly maintained. Furthermore, I understand that the Minister of Health is of opinion that the duties of sanitary inspector could not now be adequately discharged by an officer whose time would be largely taken up by his duties of highway surveyor.