HC Deb 11 April 1934 vol 288 cc302-3
17. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what arrangements are made under the regulations of administration of Sections 82 to 84 of the Education Act, 1921, for recording the effect of the meals on the physical and mental condition of the children?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The effect of school meals on the physical and mental condition of the children is observed by the school medical officers, but the nature and scope of the arrangements for recording the effect vary considerably from area to area.

18. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what arrangements, other than routine medical inspection, are made by each local education authority administering Sections 82 to 84 of the Education Act, 1921, for ascertaining which children are in need of school meals?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

Sufficiently complete information to enable separate particulars for each local education authority to be given is not available. Apart from cases discovered at routine medical inspections, children are selected for school meals by special medical examination, by nutrition surveys conducted by school medical officers, by recommendations of teachers and care committees, and on applications made by parents. All or any of these methods may be in operation in a single area.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Board of Education invites the medical officers to send in reports periodically with regard to the supply of meals?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I am not sure whether that is the case.