§ 5. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee on Scottish Health Services has reported that 6 per cent. of the children medically examined in the schools of Scotland are reported as suffering from insufficient nutrition; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe report of the committee on Scottish Health Services state that in 1933–34 the nutrition of school children was "below average" in 5.3 per cent. and "very bad" in 0.19 per cent. The report makes it clear, however, that malnutrition is not in all cases due primarily to underfeeding but may arise from other conditions such as disease, injudicious feeding, lack of fresh air, sleep, etc. All these children are kept under close observation by school medical officers, and steps are taken to secure appropriate treatment. In many areas free meals are provided at school, and milk is supplied to school children at reduced rates. The possibility of extending these facilities to other areas is constantly under review.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREWill my right hon. Friend consider in this connection extending the right of panel doctors to prescribe milk for all children, irrespective of whether they are at school or not?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThat raises a large issue which I could not deal with in reply to a supplementary question.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLAre not these results to some extent due to the diminution of the use of milk in the home, resulting from the regulations of the milk boards?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThere is no evidence which would lead me to agree with the hon. Member on that point.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not the fact that in the recent report on the health of Scotland none of the medical officers give any indication of any diminution apart from poverty?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am not aware of all that is in the numerous reports.
§ Mr. HARDIEI have read them.