§ DR. MACNAMARAI beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether, having regard to the fact that the Physical Deterioration Committee was appointed so far back as 2nd September, 1903, and reported in July, 1904, sat for twenty-six days hearing evidence, and examined sixty-eight expert witnesses, he will say what purpose will be served in the appointment of four officials of the Board of Education, and one official of the Local Government Board, to re-cover the main ground investigated by that Committee; and whether, in view of the delay that the appointment of the Committee announced on Monday last will lead to in regard to the problem of the condition of children who are in attendance at school habitually underfed, he will say when, if it is proposed to go on with this last appointed Departmental Committee, its Report may be expected.
§ SIR WILLIAM ANSONThe Physical Deterioration Committee devoted a comparatively small part of its labours to the question of the provision of food for school children, and failed to furnish information on certain facts, a knowledge of which is essential to legislative or administrative action on that subject. The Committee which is now sitting will provide a more precise knowledge of 961 these facts; and will report with the least possible delay.