Written question asked by Nigel Spearing (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: If he will list those responsible for the duties formerly carried out by municipal authority medical officers of health; for which geographical areas each is responsible; who appoints such people; what are their usual minimum qualifications; to whom they are accountable; what statutory provisions relating to the former duties of these medical officers (a) apply and (b) do not apply to these persons; and what subsequent legislation governs their activities.

Answer: Mr. Spearing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those responsible for the duties formerly carried out by municipal authority medical officers of health; for which geographical areas each is responsible; who appoints such people; what are their usual minimum qualifications; to whom they are accountable; what statutory provisions relating to the former duties of these medical officers (a) apply and (b) do not apply to these persons; and what subsequent legislation governs their activities. [20012] Mr. Horam: The Local Government Act 1972 provides for the appointment by the local authority of `Such officers as they think necessary' such for the proper discharge of their functions and obligations. Each local authority may appoint "proper officers" (defined in s270 of the 1972 Act) for particular purposes.

Secondary information