MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 274, 15 August 1919, Page 9

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS

\ A PUBLIC HEALTH FUNCTION ?

A Standing Committee of the Houso of Goininons which is now considering the clauses of the Ministry of Health Bill has adopted nn important amendment without a division and in the fane of 'protests from Dr. Addison and Mr. H. A. L. fisher, the two Cabinet Ministers whose functions were immediately concerned. The amendment provides for. Hie immediate transfer (o tlio Ministry of Health of the functions of tho Board of Education in regard to tho medical inspection, and treatment of children and vounif persons. The Bill, it will be remembered, proposes to combine wider one State Department the existing responsibilities of the Local- Government Board as far a.s health is concerned and all the functions of the insurance commissions for England and Wales, and lilso proposes to include tho duties of the Board of Education in respect, to the health of expectant and nursing mothers and children under school ago. But: with regard to tho medical inspection of school children and young per.-ons, a duly which now appertains to the Board of Education, it: was understood that that board would not resign without regret its responsibilities in this direction: and on the introduction of the Bill it was staled that no such step would lie found immediately'necessary. Mr. G. T/Oclrer-Tianipson. however, prpnosed an amendment in the sense indicated, nlwve, mimelv, to provide that all powers and duties of the Board of. Education with respect; to the medical inspection and treatment of' children and young persons should be .transferred to the new Ministry of Health. From the debate which 'followed it ,i|s'. clear that tho' amendment was carried in. deference to •.« practically unanimous feeling on the part of the' committee, in its favour. ■The committee held the view that as the object of the Bill was to tako over tins health services from the various^Departments of the Stale and thus to' prevent: overlapping, medical inspection and treatment of school children could not be left outside its 6Cope. In anj case. it. is only duriue school hours—a small part of ihe child's play—that, the Board of Education exerts its influence. Dr. Addison pointed out that under tho Bill there were two categories of services—those to be transferred forthwith, and those for which room would bo made later on; and he warned tho comniitlce that to put too much on Ihe shoulders of tho new Ministry at; tho outset might be to risk a breakdown. But: as a matter of fact, it was felt: by mnnv medical men on tho introduction of tho "Ministry of .Health Bill that; the medical inspection of school children and young persons formed a necessary part "of tho duties of nnv Ministry of Health; while it may be recalled that: dissatisfaction with tlio provision for tho medical treatment of school children under the Board of Education was strongly expressed, in the House of Commons in July last, on tho renort stage of the Education Bill, and led to its recommitment in this resnecf. The Standing Committee Of the Houso of Commons have moved, perhaps, with more directness than anticipated, but when the Bill was drafted no doubt those in charge of tlio task expected to encounter opposition at this spot.