§ 13. Mr. Dribergasked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the representations of the Essex Education Committee concerning the calling-up for military service of Dr. J. W. Pickup, senior school medical officer for the county of Essex; and whether he will reconsider his decision not to request this officer's deferment?
§ Mr. ButlerThe most careful consideration has been given to the committee's 1679 representations. I have been obliged to reach the decision to which the hon. Member refers in view of the medical man-power position. The staffing of the school medical service in Essex is stronger than in other comparable areas. I have also had to take into account the age group into which this officer falls, and the decision of the Central Medical War Committee on his case.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this officer has effective charge of the health of 120,000 school children; and, whatever the shortage of doctors, is not the health of children of paramount importance?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, the health of the children is paramount; and I am glad to say that it has been looked after extraordinarily well, despite the very severe position in regard to medical man-power at the present time. I am in touch with the authority about the arrangements they are making to replace this able officer. I very much regret that we have had to adhere to this decision.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayWill my right hon. Friend reconsider this matter? If the senior medical officer of a county education committee has to be called up, we have got to a very bad stage.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs not the health of the troops in the field even more paramount?