§ Mr. DENMANasked the President of the Board of Education whether he has any information as to the extent to which, and in what localities, school medical officers have issued certificates to prevent the employment of children in a harmful manner under Section 3 of the Employment of Children Act, 1903; and whether he will take steps to encourage the proper and effective use of the powers of school medical officers under this section of the Act?
§ Mr. J. A. PEASEThe reports of school medical officers of local education authorities which have been supplied to the Board contain in some instances information on the subject referred to in the first part of 433W the question, but it is not sufficiently complete to enable me to supply the information asked for. At the date of the passing of the Act referred to the school medical service was not established, but I have no doubt that the powers under Section 3 are, as a general practice, now exercised by the school doctor. Until I have further information I can make no statement with reference to the last part of the question.