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Local Government

Volume 236: debated on Thursday 20 March 1930

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Public Assistance Committees (Accommodation)

51.

asked the Prime Minister if he will refer to the Committee considering the relationship of different forms of social insurance the question of the economy and public convenience to be derived from a policy directed to housing the local administration of all forms of public assistance in one building?

No, Sir. It would, I think, be premature to deal with the question of accommodation until the larger issues of policy involved in the inquiry referred to have been decided.

County And County Borough Councils (Medical Members)

75.

asked the Minister of Health if he will introduce a short indemnifying Bill to exempt present sitting medical members of county and county borough councils from their disabilities to act as from 1st April next during the remainder of their present period of office, pending the reconsideration or reorganisation of the methods of payment to medical practitioners for minor medical services rendered on behalf of local authorities in the course of their private practice?

I regret that I am not able to comply with the suggestion, and would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on the 6th ultimo to the hon. Member for Banff (Major Wood).

76.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in rural parts of the country generally, and particularly in such rural counties as the county of Huntingdon, all practising medical practitioners are rendered ineligible for service as members of county councils by the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929, and that, therefore, such councils as desire to have medical members, whether co-opted or elected, for their public health, maternity and child welfare, and Midwives Acts, mental deficiency and other committees are unable to obtain them; and will he take this question into consideration?

Legislation would be required to deal with the matter raised by the hon. and gallant Member, and I am afraid that I can give no undertaking as to 6uch legislation.

If a one Clause Bill is introduced to "remove any inconvenience temporarily and enable these officers to carry out their duties during the remainder of their term of office, which is obviously desired by the electorate, will the right hon. Gentleman try to give facilities?

There are only 11 days to go before the new Act comes into operation, and the local authorities have already made their arrangements.

Audit (Local Authorities) Act

88.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to repeal the Audit (Local Authorities) Act, 1927; and, if so, when the necessary legislation is likely to be introduced?

I cannot undertake at the present time to introduce legislation on this subject in view of the pressure of Parliamentary business.

If the right hon. Gentleman had the time, would he do it?

Officers (Dismissal)

89.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the recommendations of the Onslow Commission on Local Government, he intends to introduce legislation to alter the position created by the decision in the case of Brown v. Dagenham Urban District Council, whereby certain local government officers are liable to be dismissed without notice or disclosure of reason, and contrary to the terms of contracts of service?

I hope to ask Parliament to deal with this, among other recommendations of the Royal Commission, when time permits.