HC Deb 14 July 1919 vol 118 cc63-4W
Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that during and since the War the practice of printing school books, magazines, official documents, newspapers, and all printed matter in very small type has been engaged in with a view to the saving of paper; whether studying and reading small type is a fruitful cause of myopia amongst school children and injurious to the eyesight of all classes; and whether, in the interests of public health, he will legislate that all printed matter of every description be in good-sized legible type, and that those who are thereafter guilty of printing in small type have the matter forfeited and suitable penalties imposed?

Mr. SHORTT

I am aware that for reasons of economy various publications have been printed in smaller type during the War, but I am informed by the Board of Education that this does not apply to the type used for the printing of school books, the size and style of which have not been altered. The matter is not one in which I have any authority.