HC Deb 23 October 1941 vol 374 cc1884-5
32. Mr. F. Anderson

asked the Minister of Health what provision has been made for treatment needed by children injured by enemy action; and what steps have been taken, where children have lost limbs as a result of enemy action, for such children to be provided with special training for their future potential employment and with artificial limbs where these are necessary?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

Children injured by enemy action and needing treatment in hospital are admitted to hospitals in the Emergency Hospital Scheme, and provided with all requisite medical attention and care without charge, including, where necessary, the facilities afforded by the specialised treatment centres and the fracture organisation. After discharge from hospital, any necessary out-patient and domiciliary treatment is given. Amputation cases are referred to the Ministry of Pensions limb-fitting organisation, where suitable artificial limbs are provided and the child is trained in their use. On discharging child casualties, hospitals notify the Board of Education, and in appropriate cases the local education officers can thus be informed of the arrival of the child in their area so that any special arrangements for their teaching can be made.

Mr. Anderson

Am I to take it that the Ministry of Pensions and the Ministry of Health take no responsibility for the provision of such children's education until they reach the age of 15?

Mr. Brown

I thought I had made the position clear. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will let me have particulars.

Mr. Anderson

This is a matter of a principle, not of a particular case, although I have a particular case. Is it the fact that no provision is made for the proper education of a child in these circumstances until it reaches the age of 15?

Mr. Brown

I said in my answer that amputation cases are referred to the Ministry of Pensions limb-fitting organisation, and that on discharge hospitals notify the Board of Education, who get in touch in suitable cases with the local officers.