HC Deb 10 November 1930 vol 244 cc1323-4
81. Mr. DAY

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children provided with spectacles in England and Wales under the arrangement made by education authorities for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and the number of authorities in England and Wales who have not the services of an experienced oculist?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Morgan Jones)

Some 140,000 children were provided with spectacles during the year 1929, under arrangements made by education authorities in England and Wales. All local education authorities have the services of an experienced oculist, except the authority for the Isles of Scilly, where the circumstances are, of course, exceptional.

Mr. DAY

Can my hon. Friend say whether there have been any complaints at all of not providing these children with glasses?

Mr. JONES

I am not aware of any.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the hon. Gentleman consider having larger print in school books and then they will need fewer spectacles for children?