From Mrs E. A. Mishon, MRPharmS
SIR,—It is astonishing that there has been so little response in The Journal after publication of the letter by Mr Cox (PJ, November 18, p754).
Does anybody care that the Council is changing the Byelaws of the Society (PJ, November 4, p678 and p702) in order to make up to £2m — money contributed by the membership — available for the purpose of buying shares and investment in publishing?
The financial acuity of the Council up to now has been questionable: we are told by a Privy Council appointee that the finances are "in disarray", we are reputed to have a deficit of £1.5m, and we have had to accept an apology for the discreet manner in which a £600,000 flat was purchased for the use of the President.
For some months now the Council’s members have been promising greater transparency and accountability. It is difficult to see accountability in the changing of the Society Byelaws so radically without much greater consultation with the membership. It is also difficult to feel confident, bearing in mind the record to date, that £2m can be invested satisfactorily in projects about which we know nothing.
I can only repeat what Mr Cox said: "Before these amendments to the Byelaws are enacted, it is imperative that the membership and the Lords of the Privy Council are given assurances that robust and auditable mechasnisms have been put in place to ensure that the Council is fully informed and consulted. Any financial decisions of this magnitude must be made by democratically accountable members of Council. . . ."
The Official Notice in The Journal says the change in Byelaws becomes effective 60 days from the date of the notice. There appears to be no date for the notice so presumably it is the same as the published date of The Journal (November 4). Protestors therefore have till the end of the year to make their voices heard.
Anne Mishon Laurac le Grand, Aude, France