§ 49. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in connection with the provisions under which school children gain certificates under the Factory Acts inspection by a Home Office medical man is required, while under the medical inspection of school children by a medical man under an education authority is required; and whether, in order to prevent overlapping of duties and consequent waste of public money and unnecessary strain on medical men's work, he will inaugurate emergency legislation to simplify the present complicated and expensive requirements?
§ Mr. BRACEAs was explained in a previous reply to my hon. Friend, the factory examination serves a different purpose from that of the school examination, and to provide for it through the system of school medical inspection would involve a considerable development of the work of the school medical officers which cannot be undertaken at present. Even if this were done, I doubt whether any considerable saving would result, and in any case the saving would not accrue to public funds, as the charge for the factory examination at present is borne by the employer and not by the State.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Member aware that as soon, as proposals involving economies are put forward by a private Member they are treated with contempt by officials in the various offices, and will this economy be proposed or considered by the Retrenchment Committee?