Dr. Morganasked the Minister of Health under what statutory authority his Department has ruled that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939, doctors undertaking for reward professional work in connection with air-raid precautions are disqualified from becoming, or continuing to remain, members of the Council of Local Authorities; and will appropriate steps be at once taken to correct such an unfortunate and inequitable position?
Mr. M. MacDonaldNo such ruling has been given, either by my right hon. 49W Friend the Minister of Home Security or by myself; nor is there any statutory authority under which it could have been given. I am aware that the clerk of a local authority has advised his council that a medical officer appointed by them to take charge of an air-raid shelter is disqualified for membership of the council. If proceedings were instituted against any person holding such an appointment who became, or continued to act as, a member of the council, it would be for the court before which proceedings were taken to determine whether, in the light of the relevant statutory provisions, he was or was not disqualified.