§ 53. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Education what instructions he has given to local education authorities as to the examination for active pulmonary tuberculosis of those engaged in the preparation and serving of school meals.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydCircular 248 dealt with this subject and I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. HastingsHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been draw to a case in Clitheroe in which a domestic worker in the school meals service, suffering from active tuberculosis, apparently caused this disease in one form or another certainly in thirteen school children and possibly in thirty? Would he take special care to see that those engaged in the preparation of school meals are healthy people?
§ Mr. LloydCertainly. I will examine this matter further, and I shall be grateful for details, which perhaps the hon. Member will give me. I should also tell the House that I will now look at this circular again in the light of a Report by the Standing Tuberculosis Advisory Committee of the Central Health Service which we have just received.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the vulnerability of schoolchildren to this disease, would the Minister give an undertaking that all those who are engaged in handling school meals will be examined?
§ Mr. LloydI should not like to do that without consultations, but I see the importance of what the hon. Lady suggests and I will examine it carefully and let her know the result.