28. Dr. VERNON DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that school medical officers of the Lancashire education authority are accompanied by a nurse and a secretary when they examine children at a school; if there is any other authority in the country which provides secretaries for their school medical officers; and what are the conditions in Lancashire which make this extra help necessary?
§ Lord E. PERCYI am aware of the arrangement referred to. According to the information in the possession of my Department it appears to be exceptional. I am not aware of any special reason for its adoption in Lancashire, and I am making inquiries of the local authority.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs the Noble Lord aware that the average cost throughout the country is £1 per head for each examination?
§ Lord E. PERCYNo, I am not aware of anything of the sort, but if my hon. and gallant Friend puts down a question, I will try to get the figure.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLWhy are these services not undertaken by the medical officer for the district concerned?
§ Lord E. PERCYIn the case of Lancashire the medical officer of health and the senior school medical officer are the same.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKWill the Noble Lord take it that the cost of these examinations is as stated; and, in view of the great expense, will he endeavour to make a saving?
§ Lord E. PERCYNo. I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that his statistics are wholly inaccurate.