§ Baron de FORESTasked whether, in view of the condition of affairs set forth in the report of the chief medical officer of the Board, he will require every local education committee to provide for the regular inspection, by a properly qualified dental surgeon, of the teeth of the children under its care?
Mr. PEASEI do not think that there is any necessity at present to place dental inspection on a different basis from other parts of the medical and physical examination of the child. Examination of the mouth, including the teeth, is made in all cases by the school medical officer and his medical assistants. In a number of areas dentists have also been appointed to aid the school medical officer in this part of the work, which the Board is carefully watching. The Board do not think it advisable at the present moment to place the additional burden suggested by the hon. Member upon local authorities.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of easing the burden on the local authorities by giving a substantial grant from State funds for the treatment of the children who are discovered to be in need of treatment?
Mr. PEASEI can only refer the hon. Member to what the Chancellor of the Exchequer said last week, when he indicated to the House that he was giving consideration to this question.