§ MR. J. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the Irish Committee of the British Medical Association, urging the necessity of the medical inspection of school children in Ireland on the lines already adopted by legislation with regard to England; and whether, having regard to the fact that every argument for such inspection in England applies with even greater force to Ireland, he will consider whether steps can be taken to give effect to this recommendation.
MR. CHEERYMy right hon. friend's attention has been called to the resolution in question, and the matter has been engaging his consideration. My right hon. friend agrees with the Commissioners of National Education that the medical inspection of school children in Ireland would be desirable, but he is confronted with the fact that under the English legislation the duty of providing for the medical inspection of children is a duty of the local education authority. The effect of this enactment is to require the local authority to find from the rates the funds necessary to defray the charges of this new service. The matter will continue to engage my right hon. friend's attention.
§ MR. J. MACVEAGHIs it not the fact that large grants are made from the Exchequer for this purpose in England?
§ MR. CHERRYThat question should he addressed to the President of the Board of Education.