HC Deb 13 November 1930 vol 244 cc1850-1
71. Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the number of rejections of men offering themselves for enlistment in the Foot Guards and infantry of the Regular Army during the period 1st July to 30th September, 1930, namely, 6,506 rejections out of 10,147 men offering themselves for enlistment, or 62 per cent.; whether, in view of the condition these figures indicate, he will consider, with the medical advisers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, what steps, if any, might be taken to improve the national health by better methods of physical training in elementary schools or by other methods to correct the present state of affairs?

Mr. GREENWOOD

It would be unsafe to take the health of the sample of men presenting themselves for enlistment as representative of the health of the male population generally, but the figures quoted by the hon. and gallant Member, to which my attention had not been previously called, indicate one of the many grounds which render desirable a general improvement in the public health. The means by which such an improvement may best be secured are receiving my continued consideration, in consultation, where the health of school children is concerned, with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

Major GLYN

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the speech of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War in which he indicated that he was going to consult with the Ministry of Health, because, in the opinion of the Government, it was a most damaging position, and that the Ministry of Health should take steps? What steps are the Ministry of Health taking, beyond simply considering the matter?

Mr. GREENWOOD

No steps can be taken before having considered the matter.

Major GLYN

How soon will the right lion. Gentleman be in a position to state the policy of the Government as to improving the health of the nation?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I think our policy is indicated in what we have already done.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Increase the purchasing power of the working classes.