HC Deb 30 March 1905 vol 143 c1738
MR. ARTHURHENDERSON (Durham, Barnard Castle)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will grant facilities for the passage into law, this session, of a short measure empowering educational authorities to provide meals for destitute children.

MR. J. F. HOPE (Sheffield, Brightside)

May I ask whether, if those facilities are given, they will be granted for the first Bill introduced on the subject—namely, the Bill of the hon. Member for Hoxton.

DR. MACNAMARA (Camberwell, N.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a statement made by the President of the Local Government Board that boards of guardians have no legal power to deal with this pressing matter in any way whatever, and that neither the local education authorities nor—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The Question on the Paper should first be answered.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think it would be proper even to suggest that we should take any steps until we get the Report of this Committee now sitting and inquiring into the facts.

DR. MACNAMARA

Now may I ask if the Royal Commission on Physical Training in Scotland recommended in 1903 that there should be legislation

*MR. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper, which has been fully answered.