20. Viscountess ASTORasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many, and what percentage of, children who entered elementary schools at five years were found to be in need of treatment or watching because of defects of health in the latest year for which records are available?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMIn the year 1933, 95,328 children, or 16.3 per cent. of the children entering public elementary schools, whether at the age of five years or at an earlier age, were found to be in need of treatment for various defects, excluding uncleanliness and dental disease. Information is not available in respect of children entering at five years separately from other entrants, or as to the number or percentage of entrants suffering from defects requiring observation.
Viscountess ASTORWill the hon. Gentleman bring this matter to the notice of the Cabinet, and remind them that, of the children in elementary schools who have been to open air nursery schools, only 7 per cent. have anything the 1880 matter with them? In view of the number of men who are turned down for the Army and Navy, and of what has been said by the Chief Medical Officer of Health with reference to children, is not this really a very pressing matter?
§ Sir FRANK SANDERSONWould my hon. Friend say whether he is or is not in favour of open-air schools for children?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI stated the position pretty clearly in the Debate on the Estimates the week before last.