HC Deb 21 June 1944 vol 401 cc196-7
63. Viscountess Astor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if his Department has conducted an investigation into the effect of wage-earning employment on the health and stamina of schoolchildren; and will he ask for a report from school medical officers of appropriate selected areas.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

My right hon. Friend has asked all local authorities for full information, including their views on the effect of employment on the health of the children. I have no doubt that local authorities will consult their school medical officers on this point.

Viscountess Astor

Would the local authorities consult the teachers in the schools as well as the medical officers?

Mr. Peake

I have no doubt that they will do so. We have issued a most compendious circular asking for information upon all aspects of this problem.

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Is it proposed to issue a White Paper dealing with the result of the information obtained?

Mr. Peake

I think we had better see what the information is, before we decide what further action to take.