Colonial Despatches

I have under my consideration an Ordinance passed by the Legislature of British Columbia entituled No. 31 "An Ordinance respecting practitioners in Medicine and Surgery," which was transmitted in your Despatch of the 14th September.

I think it desirable however in the meantime to inform you that by the Imperial Act 21 and 22 Victoria C. 90 sec 31, Medical practitioners who have registered themselves under that Act are entitled, by virtue of that registration, to practise and recover fees in any of Her Majesty's Dominions free from any restriction.

So far then as the 6th Section of this Ordinance imposes an obligation or restriction upon such registered practitioners it is repugnant to the Imperial Act and void, and underthese these circumstances I have to desire you to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the Law is not enforced against such registered practitioners.

Whether that act should not be amended so as to allow Colonial Legislatures to impose reasonable restrictions upon persons wishing to practise in the Colonies is a question which is under my serious consideration and on which you will receive a further communication.

I shall not forthe the present recommend any decision to Her Majesty upon this Ordinance.