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referred for observation to the fact that our standard has been
raised.
It is a happy thought that you are doing all that you are doing
to feed school children wherever necessary.
(b) Uncleanliness. — With reference to uncleanliness, the
significant figures are to be found in Table IV, Group V, on
page 169.
In October, 1930, my report on uncleanliness for the year 1929
was very seriously considered by the Council, who decided that
the suggestions contained in pages 13 and 14 of that report be
carried into effect.
This is a decided step forward on which, if I may, I would like
to tender my heartiest congratulations.
There is no hardship whatsoever in proceeding with every
coercive measure you have to enforce absolute- cleanliness so far
as infestation amongst boys is concerned.
Last year I said " I do not see why every boy with an infested
head should not be excluded forthwith, and the parents proceeded
against," and you in your wisdom have decided to accept this
recommendation.
Similarly I take it you have decided, in conformity with my
recommendation of last year, that in any circumstances—including
therefore the case of girls—where cleansing is undertaken by the
Local Authority in default, a prosecution shall follow.
Although the situation with regard to uncleanliness in Barking
is one on which I have written strongly from year to year and one
which still requires strong language adequately to represent the
situation, I want to make it perfectly clear that the teachers and
the nurses in Barking are doing very real work and that the problem
in Barking is only the same as it is in all other similar towns.