21. Miss WARDasked the Minister of Health whether he will recommend to the appropriate local authorities in areas scheduled as distressed to undertake an immediate inquiry with a view to ascertaining whether there has been any material alteration in the physical condition of the unemployed and their families during the past five years?
Sir H. YOUNGIt is already the duty of medical officers of health to acquire an accurate knowledge of all influences which may affect prejudicially the health of their areas. It is also the practice of my Department to require medical officers of health in their annual reports to draw attention to any noteworthy conditions prejudical to the health of their districts, and it is customary for school medical officers in their reports to deal with the physical condition of the child population. I do not therefore think it necessary to make any further special recommendation on this subject to the local authorities of certain areas, as suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a defi- 992 nite statement as to the exact position with regard to this matter on the discussion on the Estimates next Monday?
Sir H. YOUNGWhen the matter is debated in the House I shall be glad to give any information that I am able on the subject.