HC Deb 23 November 1950 vol 481 cc491-2
29. Brigadier Prior-Palmer

asked the Minister of Education whether he will take steps to ensure that the questions on the Main School Medical Record, under the headings Home Conditions, and Family, are put to the parents and not the children.

Mr. Tomlinson

I think this is already well understood. Attention was drawn to it on pages 77 and 78 of the Report of my Chief Medical Officer for the years 1946 and 1947 published in November, 1949, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. But if particulars of any case of misunderstanding are given to me I should be glad to look into it.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but does he not consider that these questions would be more appropriately put by health visitors to the parents at home, rather than by school teachers to the children—or even in the presence of the children? I mean questions under such headings as "Cleanliness," "Parental care of children," and "Sleeping accommodation."

Mr. Tomlinson

Frankly, I do not think that it would be better done in that way. I think that if we can get a reasonable understanding and latitude in carrying this out, and the co-operation of the parents, then it will be of advantage to everybody.