§ DR. MACNAMARAI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the increase in cigarette smoking amongst boys; and whether, in view of the effects of this practice, he will consider the desirability of taking steps to prohibit smoking by boys in Government employment, to invite the co-operation of employers of juvenile labour in putting down the practice, and to call the attention of all school authorities to the matter through the agency of the Board of Education.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sI have no special information on this subject, nor have I any powers to take action with regard to it. I am disposed to think that the public attention which is, very rightly, being drawn to the question is the most effective influence in the direction desired by the hon. Member. I may point out that there is a Committee on Physical Deterioration now sitting, and I understand that the subject of the hon. Member's Question is among those which they will consider.