§ 62. Mr. Arthur Hollinsasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the danger to the health of schoolchildren through not being properly shod; and whether he will encourage the local education authorities to extend the craft training of schoolchildren to boot repairing?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. I am fully aware of the importance of schoolchildren being properly shod. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has given special consideration to the matter and has taken steps to improve both the quality and quantity of children's footwear. A number of schools have classes in boot repairing, but in view of the present shortage of leather and rubber and the difficulty in obtaining suitable instructors, it would not be practicable to make extensive provision of such classes throughout the country.
§ 65. Mr. Hollinsasked the President of the Board of Education whether he will ask for a report from His Majesty's inspector of schools for Stoke-on-Trent on the bad state of footwear of the schoolchildren attending the Orthopædic Clinic and the effect it has on the work of the clinic which is being largely under mined as a result; and whether he will take such steps to remedy the evil as is deemed necessary?
§ Mr. ButlerI am arranging for one of my medical officers to visit Stoke-on-Trent to inquire into this matter, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when I have received his report.