§ 33. Mr. BROADasked the Minister of Health how many children of school age are in the care of the guardians; how many of these are receiving education a public elementary schools, and the number of unions from which they come; and how many children from the unions have passed for free places in county-secondary schools and are continuing in these schools until 16 years of age?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe number of children between the ages of three and 16 in the care of guardians on the 1st January, 1926, was 61,500, including 10,461 boarded out, and 51,039 main- 2244 tained in institutions. Of these, 12,392 were suffering from sickness, accident or bodily or mental infirmity. The remainder, if of school age, receive education either in the public elementary schools, in training ships and similar institutions, or in separate Poor Law schools.
§ Mr. BROADThat does not meet my question as to how many children are attending elementary schools under public authorities, and how many are in institutions under the Board?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am sorry if I have not given a full answer to the hon. Member. I think the number is about 30,000 who would be in attendance in public elementary schools, and the remainder of school age would be in other institutions.
§ Mr. W. TH0RNEHas the right hon. Gentleman received reports from various boards of guardians as to the health and general conditions of the children who are boarded out?