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prior to the 29th September, 1909, for both Medical Officers
and Sanitary Inspectors, and is, therefore, a retrograde step
and a reduction in the standard of the qualification required
for London Officers.
At present, Sanitary Inspectors are under the control of
the Metropolitan Borough Councils, who can dismiss them
at pleasure, but the Bill seeks to make their removal subject
to an appeal to the Local Government Board.
The Bill also proposes, by Clause 2, that a Medical Officer
or Sanitary Inspector shall not hold office nor be appointed
tor a limited period only, thereby preventing Sanitan Authorities
from appointing temporarily Medical Officers and
Sanitary Inspectors during the absence on leave, or through
sickness, of their permanent Medical Officers and Sanitary
Inspectors, and in time of epidemic. In so far as London
is concerned the provision is unnecessary, as the present
conditions under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891,
have worked and are still working satisfactorily.
The Lambeth Council resolved to petition against the
Bill, with a view to opposing the application of the Bill
to London on the grounds that
(1.) There is a proposed reduction in the standard of
the qualifications required for London Medical Officers
of Health and Sanitary Inspectors.
(2.) That the Sanitary Inspectors are to be taken
from under the control of the Metropolitan, City and
Borough Councils, by making their removals subject
to an appeal to the Local Government Board; and
(3.) That the temporary appointments of Medical
Officers of Health and Sanitary Inspectors should be
allowed.
A communication was also addressed to the Local Government
Board calling attention to the above-mentioned
objectionable features of the Bill.