55. Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many school children in this country are now receiving medical inspection on the same footing as before the outbreak of war; how many are receiving only partial medical inspection; how many are receiving no medical inspection; and will he give the latest figures as to the distribution of milk to school children since the outbreak of war, and as to the supply of solid meals to school children during the same period?
Mr. LindsayIt is not possible to give an exact reply to the first part of the Question, but in 257 out of 302 areas from which replies to Circular 1490 have been received, the routine medical inspection of children attending school is being, or shortly will be, conducted normally. In the areas where routine medical inspection of the prescribed age groups has not yet been resumed, arrangements are made for the special inspection of children who are considered by nurses, teachers or parents to require inspection. In the case of children not yet attending school, the Board have urged in Circular 1490 that steps should be taken within three months to secure their attendance for medical inspection. The latest figures regarding the distribution of milk under the Milk in Schools Scheme show that in the month of January, 1940, the amount distributed was about two-thirds of that drunk in January, 1939. Information is not available as to the total number of children receiving solid meals at school canteens or feeding centres.
Mr. AdamsWill the Minister not endeavour to give me the data that I have asked for; and does he expect that the pre-war situation will be restored in each case?
Mr. LindsayThe returns come in in March and October; and the hon. Member will appreciate that it was difficult to get returns last October. There will be full resumption of medical services as soon as every child has been brought back into compulsory education.