SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the evidence given before the Physical Deterioration Committee relating to the condition of children, he will issue a circular to boards of guardians calling their attention to their powers and duties as to underfed children, and pointing out the importance, in the case of giving out-relief to young children, of giving milk rather than a large amount of bread.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) So far as I am aware, there is no reason to suppose that boards of guardians are not alive to the powers and duties which attach to them in relation to underfed children, where application is made to them for relief. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I think that boards of guardians may be trusted to use their discretion as to giving of milk as out-relief to young children. The Local Government Board called the attention of their inspectors to the subject last year. It does not appear to me to be necessary to issue a circular as suggested.